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Inside Stefanik’s exit and how the Trump endorsement that never came was ‘biggest piece’ of the ‘puzzle’

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FIRST ON FOX: Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s surprise announcement on Friday night that she is dropping out of the race for New York governor and leaving her seat in Congress was partly due to lack of full support from President Trump, Fox News Digital has learned. 

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«The biggest piece of this puzzle was Donald Trump and the fact that he passed three times on endorsing her candidacy, including in the Oval Office with the Miracle on Ice Team last week,» a GOP source close to the situation told Fox News Digital. «I think [that] played the largest role in this decision.»

Stefanik’s original thought process when she jumped into the race last month, according to the source, was that she would have a «clear shot» at current New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. But once Trump ally and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his candidacy earlier this month, «it became clear that was not going to happen.»

«When you start to add these things up, and you see a contested primary, you see an assumed ally in the president who passes on endorsing, and it does not seem that you’re going to have the wind to your back in this cycle. I think [it] all played into this,» the source said.

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STEFANIK EXITS NY GOVERNOR RACE, WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION TO US HOUSE

President Donald Trump holds hands with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., as Trump honors the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team in the Oval Office of the White House Dec. 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  (Getty)

Stefanik’s decision to also leave Congress was based on a feeling that it was time to «move on,» the source said.

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«I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York,» Stefanik posted on X Friday afternoon.

«However, as we have seen in past elections, while we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York.»

Stefanik has been a staunch ally of President Trump during her time in Congress, including defending him during both of his impeachments. Trump nominated Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a high-profile cabinet-level position, before the nomination was pulled to protect the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House and amid worries Republicans could lose Stefanik’s seat to the Democrats in a special election.

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FBI TO BE UNDER HARSH NEW MICROSCOPE AS STEFANIK SCORES VICTORY IN ANNUAL DEFENSE BILL

Elise Stefanik

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., talks at a House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing. (AP/Mariam Zuhaib)

After Blakeman joined the race for governor, Trump opted to stay neutral, telling reporters at the White House after Blakeman announced his candidacy that «Elise is fantastic and Bruce is.»

«Two fantastic people, and I always hate it when two very good friends of mine are running, and I hope there’s not a lot of damage done,» the president added.

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Hochul’s re-election campaign released a statement on Friday shifting its attention to Blakeman.

«Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose,» Hochul’s campaign said in a press release Friday. «As Donald Trump raises costs on New Yorkers and targets this state relentlessly, Governor Hochul has cut middle-class taxes, put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, and fought this administration and won when New York has come under attack.

«The fact is, ‘100% MAGA’ Bruce Blakeman traveled all the way to D.C. to celebrate Trump’s tariffs, he ran Long Island’s safety net hospital into the ground by appointing corrupt cronies to run it and let violent crime in Nassau County spike to its highest level in a decade. Governor Hochul’s message to him or whichever lackey Trump picks to run against her is simple: Bring it on.»

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The source confirmed to Fox News Digital that «multiple county leaders are reaching out to Congressman Mike Lawler» as a potential candidate, adding it is «premature» to assume the New York GOP is «coalescing around Blakeman.»

«Very fluid. Many folks are taking time to regroup.»

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates his re-election at the Nassau Republican GOP headquarters on election night at the Coral House in Baldwin Nov. 4, 2025.  (Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

The source did say that Blakeman «can be a strong candidate» and that the «Mamdani effect» is something Hochul will still have to combat in a general election. 

«I wish Congresswoman Stefanik nothing but success as she pursues her priorities and continues her service to our nation,» Blakeman posted on X Friday. «At this pivotal moment for New York, it is essential that Republicans and all New Yorkers come together in unity.»

Lawler responded to the news in a post on X, saying that Stefanik «has been a terrific Congresswoman» and «would have been a great governor.»

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«As her friend and colleague, I respect her decision and wish her and her family all the best as she moves forward,» Lawler added.

The White House directed Fox News Digital to the social media reactions from the president and his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. 

In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump responded to Stefanik’s announcement, writing, «Elise Stefanik, a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State, has just announced she won’t be running for Governor. Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!»

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Leavitt also posted praise of Stefanik on social media.

«Elise Stefanik has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district in Upstate New York, and she will always be a true friend to President Trump,» Leavitt posted on X. «On a personal note, Elise is my former boss. She is a great leader, and an even better person. We love you, @EliseStefanik!»

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report

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INTERNACIONAL

Horror en Rio de Janeiro: un joven de 17 años organizó una cita con una exnovia y llamó a cuatro amigos para que abusaran de ella

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Un caso estremecedor sacudió a Copacabana, en la zona sur de Río de Janeiro. Una adolescente denunció que fue víctima de una violación en grupo en un departamento. La Justicia ya ordenó la detención de los acusados, pero todos permanecen prófugos.

Leé también: De la ruta secreta y los autos blindados al ataúd dorado: así fue el exclusivo funeral de “El Mencho” en México

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Cómo fue el ataque en el departamento de Copacabana

Según la investigación de la policía, la víctima fue invitada por un compañero de escuela, menor de edad y con el cual había tenido una relación previa, a la casa de un amigo la noche del 31 de enero, en la calle Ministro Viveiros de Castro.

En el ascensor, el adolescente le advirtió que habría más personas en el lugar y le sugirió que harían “algo diferente”.

La joven rechazó la propuesta. Ya en el departamento, fue llevada a una habitación y, mientras mantenía relaciones con el adolescente, otros cuatro jóvenes entraron al cuarto.

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La adolescente declaró que, tras la insistencia del menor, aceptó que los amigos permanecieran en la habitación, pero pidió que no la tocaran. Sin embargo, según su testimonio, los jóvenes se desnudaron, la besaron y la manosearon y la violaron.

Además, según consta en la denuncia, recibió golpes, cachetadas, puñetazos y una patada en el abdomen. Intentó salir del cuarto, pero se lo impidieron.

Quiénes son los acusados y cuál es su situación

La policía identificó a cuatro mayores de edad como responsables del ataque:

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  • Bruno Felipe dos Santos Allegretti, de 18 años
  • João Gabriel Xavier Bertho, de 19 años
  • Mattheus Verissimo Zoel Martins, de 19 años
  • Vitor Hugo Oliveira Simonin, de 18 años

La policía busca a cuatro jóvenes por el abuso sexual de una adolescente en Copaabana. (Foto: gentileza g1).

El adolescente que invitó a la víctima también está bajo investigación, pero su causa fue derivada a un tribunal de menores y su identidad no fue revelada.

La Justicia emitió órdenes de detención preventiva y de allanamiento para los cuatro mayores, pero ninguno fue hallado en sus domicilios y todos son considerados prófugos.

Leé también: Israel bombardeó la sede central del gobierno iraní en Teherán y escala la tensión en Medio Oriente

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Qué revelaron las cámaras y los mensajes previos

Las cámaras de seguridad del edificio registraron la llegada de los jóvenes al departamento y la entrada de la adolescente junto al menor. También quedó grabado el momento en que la víctima abandonó el lugar.

En el expediente se incorporaron mensajes de WhatsApp entre la joven y el menor, en los que él la había invitado al departamento y le había preguntado si podía llevar a una amiga. Ella respondió que iría sola. Las conversaciones muestran cómo planificó la emboscada.

El informe forense y las pruebas de violencia

El examen confirmó lesiones compatibles con violencia física: se detectaron hematomas y escoriaciones en la zona genital, sangre en las zonas íntimas y marcas en la espalda y los glúteos. Se recolectaron muestras para análisis genéticos y de ADN.

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El relato desgarrador de la madre: “Ella se sentía muy culpable”

La madre de la adolescente describió el dramático momento en que encontró a su hija tras el ataque: “Cuando la vi, lo primero que le pregunté fue si le habían dejado alguna marca. Ella levantó su vestido y, al ver las lesiones, me desesperé. Solo agarré los documentos y le dije: ‘Vamos a la comisaría’”.

La llegada y salida de los jóvenes quedó grabada. (Foto: captura de video).

La llegada y salida de los jóvenes quedó grabada. (Foto: captura de video).

La mujer también reveló el impacto emocional que sufrió la joven: “Apenas ocurrió, ella se sentía muy culpable y decía que quería morirse, por vergüenza, porque pensaba que todos la iban a señalar como abusada y como culpable. Ahora está empezando a entender que no tiene culpa, que no está sola y que ella importa. Que su ‘no’ es muy valioso y cuenta”.

Qué dijeron los acusados

El abogado de João Gabriel Xavier Bertho negó “con vehemencia” la acusación de violación. Sostuvo que ya hubo dos rechazos judiciales a pedidos de prisión preventiva y que existen mensajes donde la joven habría aceptado la presencia de otros jóvenes en el departamento.

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Además, cuestionó que Bertho no haya sido escuchado por la policía y que imágenes de la joven despidiéndose “con una sonrisa y un abrazo” no hayan sido consideradas en la investigación.

Brasil, Abuso sexual

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Texas Democratic Senate candidates sidestep Islamic terrorism concerns following deadly Austin attack

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Neither of the two frontrunners in the Texas Democratic Senate primary addressed concerns about Islamic terrorism in the wake of a deadly shooting on Sunday morning in Austin that left three dead and more than a dozen others wounded.

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Instead, just a day ahead of a competitive Senate primary, James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, focused on the effectiveness of prayer and delivered a warning against stereotyping immigrants.

«I believe in the power of prayer. I believe prayer changes lives. But there is something profoundly cynical in asking God to solve a problem we’re not willing to solve ourselves,» Talarico said in an interview with MS Now.

«We prayed, and God sent lawmakers with commonsense gun safety proposals like universal background checks, red flag laws,» he added.

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Gabriel V. Cardenas/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Crockett, for her part, warned viewers on TikTok against extrapolating conclusions about the violence to minorities and immigrants.

«Listen, every time there’s some crazy situation like this, black folks sit around and say, ‘Oh, I hope they’re not black,’ because we know that’s going to be an additional target on our backs. We know that the immigrant community was probably holding their breath and saying, ‘Oh, I hope it wasn’t an immigrant.’»  

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But Crockett and Talarico did not address any mention of Islamic terrorism or whether it might pose an additional risk to Americans in light of recent U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

SHARIA LAW VICTIM WHO FLED SOMALIA ISSUES ENDORSEMENT IN CRITICAL SENATE RACE

Their silence on the topic drew condemnation from at least one GOP observer.

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«Absolutely disgusting stuff. James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett are blaming hardworking Texans who go to church and lawfully own guns, instead of the radical Islamic terrorist who committed this heinous act,» Zach Kraft, an RNC spokesman, said.

Ndiaga Diagne, 53, opened fire at a bar scene in Austin while wearing a hoodie with the words «property of Allah» emblazoned on the front. While his specific motives remain unclear, police searching his home with a warrant later discovered an Iranian flag and photos of Islamic leaders.

AUSTIN SHOOTING SUSPECT WORE IRANIAN FLAG SHIRT DURING ATTACK, SOURCES SAY

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Diagne was shot dead by local police.

Austin shooting March 2026

Federal agents comb the scene of a potential terrorist attack shooting in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Getty Images)

The shooting comes on the heels of strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday that targeted Iran’s military leadership and killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a press event on Monday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said local police had invited federal authorities to the scene to investigate the attack as a possible act of terrorism.

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JASMINE CROCKETT UNDER FIRE AFTER REPORTEDLY HAVING ARMED GUARDS REMOVE ‘WHITE GIRL’ REPORTER FROM RALLY

«We’re looking at the totality of this. We see these indicators, we’re thinking about events and what’s occurring in the country as well. The motives – all of those things, that’s what the investigation is about right now,» Davis said.

Asked how lawmakers could prevent attacks in the future, Crockett said she believes a majority of shooters in the U.S. are White.

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«If I was to give you the facts as to who the shooters have been in these mass shootings, I can guarantee you — the vast majority of them have been White, male and homegrown. But we don’t see them taking any action on that,» Crockett said.

BOEBERT JOKES ABOUT ENDORSING CROCKETT IN TEXAS’ SENATE RACE TO GIVE HER DEMOCRATIC RIVAL A BOOST

Crockett did not explain how she would use that insight as a senator to prevent shootings in the future.

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«We need to actually do something about guns. Don’t sit there and say that it’s the immigrants. Maybe it’s your lax laws when it comes to guns,» she added.

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches Senate bid

Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Talarico said the U.S. should prevent «dangerous people from entering the country.»

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«Dangerous people should not be allowed to get guns,» Talarico added, doubling down on his red-flag proposals, policies that aim to screen would-be gun buyers against stiffer background checks.

Neither Talarico’s nor Crockett’s campaign replied to a request for comment.

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Gulf states intercept hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, issue joint condemnation with US

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Several Gulf states on Monday said they intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones over the past 24 hours as regional tensions escalated in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes against Tehran.

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Bahrain’s National Communication Center said its air defenses intercepted 70 missiles and 59 drones targeting the kingdom.

Qatar said it downed two Iranian Su-24 fighter aircraft and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense reported intercepting nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones.

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An Iran-made Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle is displayed at a rally in Azadi (Freedom) Square in Tehran on Feb. 11, 2026. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/via Getty Images)

Since the start of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, the UAE said it has detected 174 ballistic missiles launched toward the country, destroying 161 while 13 fell into the sea. Officials also said 689 Iranian drones were detected, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within the country’s territory.

On Sunday, the UAE announced it was closing its embassy in Tehran and withdrawing its ambassador and diplomatic staff in response to the strikes.

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Kuwait said its air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since the attacks began, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency.

TOMAHAWKS, B-2 STEALTH BOMBERS AND ATTACK DRONES POUND OVER 1,000 IRANIAN TARGETS IN 24-HOUR BLITZ

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said Monday two drones were intercepted near the Ras Tanura oil refinery, with debris causing minor damage, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

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In response to the large-scale attacks, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and the United States released a joint statement condemning Iran’s «indiscriminate and reckless» missile and drone strikes across the region.

Map of where Iran is retaliating with regional strikes

A Fox News map shows where Iran is retaliating with regional strikes. (Fox News)

The countries said the strikes endangered civilians, damaged infrastructure and violated the sovereignty of multiple states.

TRUMP SAYS US MISSION IN IRAN IS ‘AHEAD OF SCHEDULE,’ VOWS TO ‘EASILY PREVAIL’ OVER REGIME

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A damaged building with shattered windows and debris stands amid wreckage in Manama after an aerial attack.

A view of damage in Manama, Bahrain, after a kamikaze drone strike during Iran’s retaliatory attack on March 1, 2026. (Stringer/Anadolu/via Getty Images)

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«The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior,» the statement reads in part. «We stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory, and reaffirm our right to self-defense in the face of these attacks. We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that has prevented far greater loss of life and destruction.»

Jordan’s military said it intercepted 49 Iranian projectiles on Saturday, including 13 ballistic missiles, according to the Jordanian outlet Roya News.

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