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US swaps prisoners with China, releasing 3 convicted spies

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Two Chinese spies and a Chinese national who was charged for disseminating child pornography were part of a White House prisoner swap as Biden’s presidency nears the end.

On Nov. 22, Biden granted clemency to Yanjun Xu, Ji Chaoqun and Shanlin Jin. 

Their releases were part of a prisoner swap that returned three wrongfully detained Americans from Chinese custody: Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. 

The three Americans returned to the U.S. before Thanksgiving.

CHINA DENIES NEW REPORRT LINKING CCP TO FOUR SITES IN CUBA ALLEGEDLY USED TO SPY ON THE US

Mark Swidan

Mark Swidan was arrested in China in 2012 on drug charges the U.N. says aren’t legitimate. (Mark Swidan Family)

Harrison Li detained in China

Harrison Li holds a photo of his father, Kai Li, in Palo Alto, Calif., in January. (AP/Jeff Chiu)

Xu and Chaoqun were both Chinese nationals who were convicted of espionage in the U.S. 

Xu, according to a release from the Department of Justice, was the first Chinese government intelligence officer ever to be extradited to the United States to stand trial and was sentenced to 20 years.

According to court documents, Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

BIDEN LEAVING OFFICE WITH LOWEST APPROVAL IN 16 YEARS, FOX NEWS POLLING SHOWS

In one example, noted in court documents, Xu attempted to steal technology related to GE Aviation’s exclusive composite aircraft engine fan module – which no other company in the world has been able to duplicate – to benefit the Chinese state.

The Department of Justice said that Xu openly discussed his effort to steal U.S. military information in addition to commercial aviation trade secrets.

Yanjun Xu,

Yanjun Xu, the first Chinese spy extradited to the US for trial, was convicted in 2021 on counts of conspiring and attempting to commit economic espionage and trade secret theft. (U.S. District Court)

Ji Chaoqun

A federal jury in Chicago in September 2023 convicted Ji Chaoqun, 31, of conspiracy to act as an agent of China’s Ministry of State Security without notifying the U.S. attorney general, acting as a spy in the U.S., and lying on a government form about his contacts with foreign agencies. (Fox 32)

Chaoqun was arrested and convicted after working with Xu on behalf of the CCP.

The federal agency said that Xu recruited and “handled” Chaoqun, who was stationed in Chicago during the duration of the scheme.

The DOJ said that Xu directed Chaoqun to collect “biographical information on people to potentially recruit to work with them.”

“Xu’s handling and placement of a spy within the United States to obtain information regarding aviation technology and employees is yet another facet of Xu’s egregious crimes towards the United States and further justifies the significant sentence of imprisonment he received today,” said U.S. Attorney Parker at the time of the pair’s conviction.

Jin was serving his sentence after being convicted of possessing more than 47,000 images of child pornography while a doctoral student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 2021.

Biden speaking

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the latest developments in Syria from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on December 8, 2024, in Washington, DC.  (Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

Biden commuted on Thursday the sentences of 1,499 people. He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes.

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President-elect Trump is set to take office in a little over a month, on January 20. He has said that he will immediately pardon people convicted of participating in the January 6, 2021, riot in the U.S. Capitol.



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NFL legend Randy Moss announces cancer diagnosis

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NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss revealed to fans in an Instagram livestream Friday he was diagnosed with cancer. 

During the livestream, Moss said he’s a “cancer survivor,” adding he spent six days in the hospital and underwent surgery. He thanked his team of doctors and all those who prayed for him.

“I am a cancer survivor,” Moss said. “Some trying times, but we made it through.”

Moss said doctors found cancer in his bile duct “right between the pancreas and the liver.”

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Randy Moss looks on

Randy Moss broadcasts from ESPN’s “Monday Night Football Countdown” set before a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium.  (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

“I didn’t think I would ever be in this position, as healthy as I thought I was.”

Moss stepped away from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” Dec. 6.

“As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set. … Hopefully I can be with you guys soon,” Moss said.

“My goal is to get back on television with my team.”

NFL LEGEND RANDY MOSS STEPPING AWAY FROM ESPN FOR ‘EXTENDED TIME’ DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES

Moss was revealed to be stepping away from ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge earlier in December in a statement from ESPN.

“(Moss) briefly addressed the matter at the start of the show on Dec. 1. For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating ‘Countdown’ with his insight and passion. He has ESPN’s full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready,” ESPN’s statement said

Moss revealed last week he was battling an illness.

Randy Moss in 2009

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss run off the field after Moss’ TD catch during the Pats’ 59-0 victory at Gillette Stadium Oct. 18, 2009.   (Matthew West/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

“I just wanted to let the viewers know that me and my wife and my family are battling something internally. I have some great doctors around me. I couldn’t miss the show. I wanted to be here with you guys,” Moss said during last week’s ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”

“I feel great. But if you see me with these ‘Michigan turnover glasses’ that I have on, it’s not being disrespectful because I’m on television. It’s because I’m battling something. I need all the prayer warriors. God bless you all. Thanks for the prayers.”

During FOX NFL Sunday, several of Moss’ ex-New England Patriots teammates, including Tom Brady, shared their support for Moss. 

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Randy Moss looks on

ESPN commentator and NFL Hall of Fame member Randy Moss on the sideline before a game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium.  (Mark Konezny/USA Today Sports)

“One of the all-time great teammates and friends, in touch to this day,” Brady said during FOX’s broadcast. “Our heart obviously is with you, our prayers, all our positive energy.  We love you so much, man.”

Rob Gronkowski added: “We’re thinking about you, Randy. We love you, man.”

The 47-year-old Moss was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 after playing 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-10), Tennessee Titans (2010) and San Francisco 49ers (2012).

Moss is second in NFL history with 156 touchdown catches and had an NFL-record 23 TD receptions in 2007 for the Patriots.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Malibu fires drove Jane Seymour from her home with barely more than the clothes on her back

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As she hurriedly evacuated her home due to the Malibu fires earlier this week, Jane Seymour made sure to grab the essentials. 

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the British actress, who was presented with the British-American Business Council LA Icon Award in Los Angeles Friday, opened up about the moment she escaped the flames inching toward her home and the mementos she took with her. 

“This week has been unbelievable,” Seymour told Fox News Digital at the event, which supported the BABC’s Holiday Drive for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 

“And we were really fortunate in a way. … The fire burned all the way around, and it came right up to — it was on our property where we live on PCH, literally where you saw the news crews that were right in front of our house.

MALIBU WILDFIRE FORCES JANE SEYMOUR TO EVACUATE AS FLAMES BURN ‘EXTREMELY CLOSE’ TO STAR’S HOME

Jane Seymour

British actress Jane Seymour revealed what she brought with her when evacuating the Malibu wildfires.  (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

“When I look up from where my house is, all the houses around, the fire literally came up to within inches of the properties,” she added. “I just don’t know how they saved so many properties and so many lives. And I’m just eternally grateful but definitely shaken.”

When leaving her home, Seymour said she could only think of grabbing items that matter most to her. 

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“But, honestly, I ran out of the house with the clothes I was wearing, which is jeans,” she said. “And I think I threw an extra sweater on. And I took a couple of books that my mother had saved from the war in a concentration camp. So, of everything I own in the world, that is what I decided to take with me.”

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour recently opened up about escaping the rapidly spreading flames.  (Matt Sayles/Invision/AP        )

Earlier this week, the 73-year-old actress posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram featuring firefighters battling a wildfire. Another photo showed just how close the blaze got to her home.

“While the Franklin Fire continues to burn in Malibu and has gotten extremely close to our home, we remain evacuated and we are safe,” she wrote in the caption. “We are deeply grateful for the amazing firefighters and the incredible band of Malibu volunteer firefighters who are risking everything to protect our homes and our community.”

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She asked her followers to allow the fire to remind “us of the strength, the bravery, resilience, and compassion that bind us together in the hardest of times,” while encouraging everyone to “continue to support and uplift one another, as we always do.”

“To everyone fighting the flames and keeping us safe, thank you. Your courage is extraordinary,” she concluded.

Fire in Malibu with a cameraman in the shot videoing the fire

Jane Seymour shared a photo of the raging fire. (Jane Seymour Instagram)

According to Fox 11, the Franklin Fire began around 10:50 p.m. Monday, north of Pepperdine University, and has grown to more than 4,000 acres. 

As of Friday, the fire was 30% contained.

Other celebrities who call Malibu home were also forced to evacuate, including Dick Van Dyke and Mira Sorvino. Van Dyke and Sorvino also updated their fans on their safety.

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Seymour, who attended the 4th Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica Friday, was praised for her philanthropy and career achievements. 

“Jane is a very accomplished, talented individual who has been honored by the queen and earned the highest accolades in Hollywood,” BABC LA President Andrew Lewis said in a statement. 

“She is an extraordinary businesswoman, entrepreneur and advocate for Britain in the USA. Her drive creating and supporting good causes and charity, including her own Open Hearts Foundation, is second to none. We are delighted to honor Jane.”

Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this post. 



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Taylor Swift will only get $10 birthday present from Travis Kelce’s dad

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has made more than $93 million in career NFL earnings, and has plenty to spend on a birthday gift for Taylor Swift. But his blue-collar Ohio father apparently isn’t going to stretch himself too thin for the occasion.

Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce, said that he plans to only spend $10 on a present for his son’s pop star girlfriend this year. 

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are all smiles during the final day of the U.S. Open, Sept. 8, 2024.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce attend the men’s final match between the USA’s Taylor Fritz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner on day 14 of the U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sept. 8. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

“You’re not going to crush Taylor Swift with a gift that cost, you know, $100,000. You’ve got to get something that tweaks the strings of her heart that you spend 10 bucks on,” Ed said during an appearance on the “Baskin & Phelps” podcast. “Then she’ll just be all gooey. You’ve got to find something that triggers the emotion.”

Ed, a former steelworker and Coast Guard service member, believes that there’s no point in spending too much on someone like Swift, who has the means to attain anything she wants as a billionaire. 

TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE HAVE ‘AUTHENTIC’ RELATIONSHIP DESPITE ‘MARKETING STRATEGY’ RUMORS: CHIEFS PRESIDENT

Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce at game

Taylor Swift stands with Donna Kelce after the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Jan. 28. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

“The amount of money is meaningless,” he said. “There’s nothing they want that they don’t already have. You have to look beyond that. You’ve got to dig down and come up with something special.”

Swift turned 35 on Friday, and is into her second full year in her relationship with the NFL star. 

Kelce has faced mounting pressure to propose to Swift after Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen got engaged to actress Hailee Steinfeld at the end of November. Fans have called on Kelce to drop to one knee for Swift on all social media channels as the two are now each officially in the second half of their 30s. 

If and when that day comes, Swift will look to embrace Ed and Kelce’s mother Donna as in-laws, but she likely won’t expect high-end gifts from either of the two parents, based on Ed’s philosophy. 

While Ed made a career in the steel industry, he comes from a military background.

“Everybody in my family prior to me was in the service,” Ed said on an episode of Travis and his brother Jason’s “New Heights” podcast in February 2023. “We’re also talking about family [that] lived through World War II, so that’s what everybody did because that was the background.”

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Taylor Swift in black sunglasses looks slightly up and smirks at boyfriend Travis Kelce wearing a Gucci bucket hat at the US OPEN

Taylor Swift turned 35 on Friday, and is into her second full year in her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Ed did not go into the Army because he had a pre-existing knee injury. He joined the Coast Guard, but had to leave boot camp after it was discovered he had Crohn’s disease.

After joining the steel industry, Ed made sure to bring his sons Travis and Jason to work with him at the mill to show them what that line of work looked like. 

“I’d take them there — hard hat, safety glasses, boots, the whole nine yards,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I’d tell them, ‘You can have a job like your mother’s, or you can have a job like mine.'”

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John Kirby grilled on mysterious NJ drone sightings: ‘Why don’t we know?’

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White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby maintained that the government still lacks definitive answers regarding the nature of reported drone sightings as public frustration intensifies.

“Many of the corroborated sightings have turned out to be piloted aircraft. I didn’t say all of them, and what I said was those are the ones we were able to corroborate,” Kirby said on “The Story.” “There certainly is ones that we have not been able to, and we don’t know the answer to it, and I strongly recommend that for folks that are seeing these things and documenting them to share that as they can with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.”

DRONE MYSTERY: NEW JERSEY HOMEOWNERS THREATEN TO TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS IF GOVERNMENT DOESN’T ACT

In a Wednesday letter to Biden, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy asked the president for more federal resources to address drone sightings, noting that the federal law limits the ability of state and local law enforcement to counter drones.

“… it has become apparent that more resources are needed to fully understand what is behind this activity,” Murphy wrote. “The continued reporting of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms.”

A map showing drone sightings around New Jersey.

A map showing drone sightings around New Jersey.

Kirby addressed the possibility that the reported drone sightings could be linked to a private company, saying that they “could very well be” commercially developed drones of some kind. 

“Why don’t we know? I wish I could tell you exactly why we don’t have an answer for you here in the afternoon on the 13th of December,” Kirby said. “But I can tell you that we are working on it very, very hard to know, because we want to answer those questions the same as those folks in New Jersey want answers to them.”

Kirby disclosed that there was an inter-agency conversation Friday morning about the topic. 

“We have now decided to employ some additional technology to New Jersey and some additional personnel to try to get a better sense of what these things are,” he said. 

Drones in New Jersey Sky

New Jersey State Assemblyman Paul Kanitra took a photo of what appears to be multiple drones hovering in the New Jersey sky on Thursday, Dec. 13. (Paul Kanitra / “Fox News @ Night”)

Monmouth County, N.J., Sheriff Shaun Golden urged officials to declare a state of emergency over the drone sightings, issuing a statement Wednesday evening. The release included a heat map showing the density of drones spotted across his county:

A heat map indicating drone activity in Monmouth County, New Jersey. 

A heat map indicating drone activity in Monmouth County, New Jersey.  (Courtesy: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office)

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Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., whose district includes parts of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, recounted spending Monday night on a beach where he spoke with several individuals, including a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer stationed in Barnegat Light. 

According to the commander, he said, a 47-foot Coast Guard vessel had been closely followed by more than a dozen drones the previous night.

Monmouth and Burlington Counties are home to several military installations, including Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

On Thursday, Middletown, N.J., Mayor Tony Perry expressed his “concerns” to Fox News regarding the drone sightings near Naval Weapons Station Earle’s waterfront site in his town, 14 miles north of the Colts Neck installation.

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“I’m not going to lie to you or to the American people, and I’m not going to say we know something when we don’t,” Kirby said. “We would never, ever stoop to think that an American citizen was crazy or nuts because of what they’re seeing and what they’re documenting. We’re taking that imagery seriously, and we’re doing the best we can to analyze it, and we encourage people to come forward if they have additional sightings and imagery.” 

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Whoopi accuses RFK, Jr. of fat shaming, gets shredded on ‘Outnumbered’: ‘How stupid do you have to be?’

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A Fox News panel schooled “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg after she accused Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., of fat shaming.

Kennedy has spoken multiple times about reforming America’s approach to food, particularly when it comes to controversial ingredients. He has recently encouraged Americans to embrace healthier lifestyles and healthier food choices instead of using new weight-loss drugs. 

“Most people with diabetes or prediabetic can be cured with good food,” he said in a recent public appearance. “If they choose instead to be cured by Ozempic, the government then pays $1,500 a month for the rest of their lives and with a fraction of that, we can give everybody organic foods, three meals a day in the country.”

Goldberg did not respond well to his rhetoric, responding on “The View,” “This isn’t just about food. This is – sometimes people are born genetically larger.” 

Whoopi Goldberg offers her opinions

“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg rejected RFK Jr.’s rhetoric about healthy policy and addressing obesity.

“You are setting folks up for shame,” she said, addressing Kennedy. “That’s what you’re trying – maybe you don’t know what you’re doing. I’m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt. I’m gonna say you don’t know, and you don’t realize what you do to people when you say stuff like that, because it doesn’t work for everybody.”

The talk show host said that less than two years ago she weighed close to 300 pounds and argued that without the weight-loss medication, “This would not have happened,” showing her current physique.

TRUMP TAPS RFK JR. TO LEAD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Panelists on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” chuckled and rejected Goldberg’s rhetoric.

Dr. Nicole Saphier argued that, as a radiologist, “I see everybody’s insides and outside, and I can tell you that we actually are – the far majority of us – created equally when it comes to our insides.”

“Now, Whoopi Goldberg is correct when she said there are some genetic and familial predispositions to people being overweight, specifically metabolic syndrome and some others, but RFK, Jr. is also correct, and I apologize, but the truth hurts. A lot of it has to do with lifestyle factors.”

She went on to argue how consuming cheap, highly processed foods is leading to obesity in poorer areas.

“Unfortunately, what you see, especially in low-income areas, access to healthy foods is just not there, they’re certainly not affordable,” Saphier continued. “They don’t get to go to the local market to get organic foods, in fact, they get the highly processed cheap stuff.”

“That unfortunately, is what puts us into this dangerous cycle of unhealthy eating. It’s not necessarily because they are gluttonous, or they’re wanting to run their own health or their body or their lifestyles, but that is what they can access and they can afford,” she said. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his wife Cheryl Hines arrive before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Fox News host Harris Faulkner read a quote from Kennedy that weight-loss drugs are an option, but should not be the first choice taken: “The first line response should be: lifestyle. It should be eating well, making sure that you don’t get obese. And that those [weight loss] drugs have a place.”

RFK JR. CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF FLUORIDE FROM DRINKING WATER, SPARKING DEBATE

Ian Prior, senior adviser at America First Legal responded, “I don’t remember Whoopi Goldberg upset with Michelle Obama’s school lunch plan back in 2010. There was no ‘fat shaming’ there.” 

“It is always the person delivering the message” that the left focuses on rather than “the message” itself, he said.

“How stupid do you have to be to not understand that being overweight is unhealthy?” Fox News anchor Julie Banderas asked, citing the rates of various obesity-related diseases and health complications. 

“This isn’t fat shaming, this is wanting a healthy America. Right now we have an obese America. The numbers of overweight people in this country are astronomical. I, too, have lost weight. I remember what it felt like to be overweight, it was an awful feeling, so I can speak on behalf of those that have been struggling with weight loss and yo-yo dieting my entire life, it sucks,” she continued.

“I mean it does not feel comfortable, but you feel so much healthier. Get out there and exercise! That’s what parents need to be teaching kids. Kids are on their iPads, they’re on their iPhones. We’re raising future fat kids! Honestly, and I’m not fat shaming, I just see so many children that are overweight, and I think that’s so unhealthy,” Banderas added.

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Saphier responded, “It’s very unfortunate what they’re doing, like on ‘The View’ and other ones, all they’re doing is praising these medications. While they do have a place for some people, there are also some serious consequences with it. And just in the last month, it came out that some breast cancer patients, their chemotherapy is not as effective if they’re on the medications. We just don’t know, so we have to move forward with caution.”

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Bluesky users flood Politico writer with profane attacks, report him after he shares X story

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A Politico reporter said he received thousands of angry, profane attacks and had his account briefly taken down on the progressive-leaning social media platform Bluesky for sharing a seemingly innocuous post about rival platform X.

Politico’s Michael Kruse recounted sharing on Bluesky a story from a colleague about whether Democrats should continue to engage on X, formerly known as Twitter, since it was bought by Elon Musk and has become a liberal bogeyman of sorts. He posted a quote with the story link from an anonymous Democratic communications staffer that said, “Leaving X because you don’t like Elon is the kind of purity politics that landed Democrats in this mess to begin with.”

In response, Kruse was flooded with thousands of angry responses, which included calling him a “f—ing dork,” “f—ing moron,” “dumb f—” and “b—h,” among other colorful phrases. Another user added a graphic description of where to put a running chainsaw as “the best thing you could possibly do to make the United States a better place.”

Kruse shared the anecdote due to Bluesky’s liberal reputation as a “safe space” from X, which left-wingers often complain has become a hateful cesspool under Musk. Kruse said he had never received such an avalanche of personal attacks on X, but Bluesky users were infuriated that he would question why they left Musk’s site behind.

bluesky on phone

The logo of social media platform Bluesky displayed on a mobile device. (Photo by Ian LANGSDON / AFP) (Photo by IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images)

CULTURE OF LIFE? UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO’S MURDER MOCKED AND CELEBRATED BY FAR-LEFT

“On the one hand, it’s not a big deal, because it’s part of the deal — regrettably commonplace in what passes for internet discourse. And I get far less of this abuse than people who are not white, male and gentile,” Kruse wrote.

“On the other hand, this was notable, because with the exception of a couple episodes — and long before Musk took over — I have on Twitter never been on the receiving end of such a sustained assault. Bluesky says it basically and principally exists as an alternative for those for whom X.com had gotten too noxious, and yet the vitriol here was overwhelmingly ad hominem attacks.”

Kruse said he was puzzled by Bluesky users’ tone if the point was for the platform to be an oasis from so-called toxicity.

“The toxin is what exactly? Unpleasant ideas? Ugly reactions? Maybe the toxin is far bigger than Bluesky could possibly address. Social media overall? People writ large? Even the notion of a safe space — as a smart Democrat texted me as this was going on, safe for whom, and from what?'” he wrote.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on Nov. 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

MARK CUBAN RUNS TO ‘LESS HATEFUL’ SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AFTER SCRUBBING X ACCOUNT OF HARRIS SUPPORT

Kruse said he didn’t get an answer from Bluesky about why his account was taken down, but it was reinstated shortly after without any further explanation.

Bluesky has picked up millions of new accounts since the election, many of them left-leaning media figures fed up with X and Musk’s support of President-elect Donald Trump.

It’s generated headlines for its seeming focus on progressive purity, such as conservative satire site The Babylon Bee being censored for sharing an article calling transgender Biden administration official Rachel Levine a “man of the year.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Bluesky and Kruse for comment.

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Fox News Politics: ‘Kids for Cash’ Clemency Sparks Keystone Clamor

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Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here’s what’s happening…

– Dem claims Trump wielding nuclear strike authority ‘should terrify you’ —  then people point out the obvious

Tren de Aragua being used as tool of Maduro regime, says former high-ranking Venezuelan military officer

– ‘Politically motivated’ FBI treated conservatives like domestic terrorists on Wray’s watch: whistleblower

Biden’s Conahan Commutation 

President Biden has sparked anger among Pennsylvanians after he commuted the sentence of a corrupt judge who was jailed for more than 17 years after he was caught taking kickbacks for sending juveniles to for-profit detention facilities.

In what came to be known as the kids-for-cash scandal, former Judge Michael Conahan shut down a county-run juvenile detention center and shared $2.8 million in illegal payments from the builder and co-owner of two for-profit lockups. Another judge, Mark Ciavarella, was also involved in the illicit scheme, the effects of which are still felt today among victims and families. 

The scandal is considered Pennsylvania’s largest-ever judicial corruption scheme with the state’s supreme court throwing out some 4,000 juvenile convictions involving more than 2,300 kids after the scheme was uncovered…Read more

3-way photo split featuring President Biden on left, MIchael Conahan center; Sandy Fonzo, right

Joe Biden, Kids for cash scandal clemency case (CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP via Getty Images))

White House

ANOTHER ROUND: Biden administration announces $500M aid package to Ukraine…Read more

‘ADDRESS THE BIAS: Biden admin launches national strategy to combat Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate…Read more

FINAL VERDICT: Negative economic and political ratings for Biden as he exits…Read more

Joe Biden at lectern pointing

President Joe Biden speaks about his administrations economic playbook and the future of the American economy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

FINAL STRETCH: White House says to ‘expect more’ climate funding before President Biden leaves office…Read more

Trump Transition

SYRIA QUANDARY: Trump’s pledge against ‘forever wars’ could be tested with Syria in hands of jihadist factions…Read more

Donald Trump in bomber jacket in 2018 speaking to US troops

Then-President Donald Trump delivers remarks to U.S. troops in an unannounced visit to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq in 2018. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)

‘FEEL THE PAIN’: Canadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country…Read more

Capitol Hill

‘WE SHOULD KNOW’: Sen. Booker ‘frustrated’ by lack of transparency about drones, says it’s causing ‘misinformation to spread’…Read more

MOVING ON UP: Top GOP rebel angles for key House leadership-backed committee post…Read more

‘SHOULD BE SHOT DOWN’: Sen. Blumenthal says mysterious drones spotted recently ‘should be shot down, if necessary’…Read more

unidentified aircraft in sky, possible drones

PELOSI: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi injured, hospitalized while traveling to Luxembourg…Read more

‘HORRIFIC RINO’: GOP Sen. Murkowski says she’s ‘not attached to’ GOP label, but is ‘still a Republican’…Read more

‘ACT DECISIVELY’: Senate Dems demand Biden extend protections for illegal immigrants ahead of Trump admin…Read more

Across America

‘PREVENTABLE’ CRIME: DA to seek death penalty against illegal immigrants accused in Nungaray murder case…Read more

‘EQUALLY ANGRY’: Legislators across political spectrum ‘equally angry’ over handling of drone sightings: New Jersey lawmaker…Read more

SHOCKING DEATH THREATS: WV lawmaker arrested after threatening to kill entire region’s delegation over caucus beef…Read more

‘EGREGIOUS HYPERPARTISANSHIP’: Montana Supreme Court blocks ban on transgender surgeries, prompting outcry from GOP lawmaker, supporters…Read more

Transgender pride flag

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Harvard president privately tells faculty university needs to rethink messaging after GOP victory

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Harvard University president Alan M. Garber reportedly told faculty that they need to rethink their messaging following the Republican Party’s election sweep. 

Garber reportedly described the sour mood in Washington, D.C. regarding higher education as the single greatest threat to the university in recent memory, the Harvard Crimson reported.

During a closed-door session of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on Dec. 3, according to three anonymous faculty members, Garber said that since becoming president he has met with roughly 40 members of Congress during his six trips to Washington. He reportedly admitted there were “bipartisan frustrations with Harvard and acknowledged that he believes the criticisms contain elements of truth,” according to the Crimson.

The Crimson reported Garber saw last month’s election results as an “anti-elite repudiation by the American electorate,” and said Harvard “must listen to public criticism with ’empathy and humility.'”

HARVARD IDENTITY-BASED GRADUATIONS EXCLUDED JEWS IN NOW-DELETED WEBPAGE AS ANTISEMITISM CLAIMS PLAGUE SCHOOL

Harvard University Provost Alan M. Garber

Harvard University President Alan Garber at the Harvard University 363rd Commencement Exercises Ceremony on May 29, 2014 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  (Paul Marotta/Getty Images)

He admitted Harvard’s communications strategy has not worked as well as its leaders originally thought. However, Garber did not provide details on how Harvard would modify its messaging going forward. 

“Garber’s conciliatory tone suggests he intends to take a diplomatic approach — rather than a defiant one — as he interacts with an incoming presidential administration that has Harvard in its crosshairs,” The Crimson reported.

A Harvard spokesperson, Jason A. Newton, did not get into specifics about the meeting, but told Fox News Digital in a statement, “The University will continue to engage in Washington and with federal leaders to make the case for the partnership between the government and universities that supports students, vital research and innovation that fuel economic growth, as well as improvements in health and wellbeing.” 

HARVARD WAS RANKED LAST FOR FREE SPEECH. HERE’S WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE SAYING

At the meeting, vice president for public affairs and communications Paul Andrew reportedly detailed what he believes are the key legislative threats to Harvard, including the endowment tax, congressional probes and threats to federal research funding.

Trump nominated Harmeet K. Dhillon to lead the Justice Department’s civil rights division this week, but given her outspoken position against Ivy League schools’ failure to combat antisemitism, schools like Harvard are on guard about the administration’s potential policies.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Harvard University

Harvard University was one of several institutions plagued by on-campus antisemitism. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

HARVARD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS CLAIM ISRAEL ‘ENTIRELY RESPONSIBLE’ FOR GAZA ATTACKS

In addition, Trump’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, is considering linking a university’s likelihood of receiving research grants to a ranking or measure of academic freedom on campus, the Wall Street Journal reported. 

For the second year in a row, Harvard University earned the lowest ranking among 251 colleges and universities for its free speech climate, according to the survey conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). 

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Garber replaced former Harvard president Claudine Gay after she was forced to resign in January 2024 following a weeks-long scandal over comments about antisemitism at a Congressional hearing and widespread plagiarism allegations.

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Trump posts ‘how it’s going’ message contrasting Time Person of the Year cover with mugshot

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President-elect Trump on Friday posted a message on his Truth Social account that contrasted his 2023 mugshot with his Time magazine cover.

Trump was named Time’s Person of the Year this week, which included a cover and an in-depth interview as he prepares to take office for the second time. 

“How it started, how it’s going,” Trump wrote with his mugshot on the left side and his Time cover on the right. 

TRUMP SPEAKS ON BEING NAMED TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR FROM THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Trump's "how it's going" post with his mug shot and his Time Magazine cover

“How it started, how it’s going,” Trump wrote with his mugshot on the left side and his Time Magazine cover on the right on Truth Social.  (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

Trump’s mugshot was taken in May 2023 when he was processed at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after being indicted on election racketeering charges.  

The magazine announced Trump, who faced an assassination attempt last summer and won the first nonconsecutive U.S. presidential term since Grover Cleveland in the 19th century, had been named its Person of the Year Thursday. 

TRUMP PROMISES ‘TREMENDOUS INCENTIVE’ ON TAXES DURING SECOND TERM 

Donald Trump Time Magazine Person of the Year

President-elect Trump speaks at a reception at the New York Stock Exchange after being named Time’s Person of the Year for the second time Dec. 12, 2024, in New York City.  (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Trump, in a ceremony after the announcement, called it an “honor.” 

‘Thank you very much for doing it,” he said. “Thank the whole group at Time. Really professional people.” 

Trump at his Time Magazine ceremony

Trump, during a ceremony after the announcement, called it an “honor.”  (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

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He was first named the magazine’s Person of the Year after his first presidential win in 2016. 

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