INTERNACIONAL
Microsoft ends use of China-based computer engineers for certain Defense Dept projects amid espionage fears
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Microsoft said it will cease using China-based computer engineering teams for work on Pentagon cloud systems and other classified systems after an investigation this week led to national security concerns at the highest levels over a program that Microsoft has used since 2016.
A ProPublica report released Tuesday accused Microsoft of allowing China-based engineers to assist with Pentagon cloud systems with inadequate guardrails in an effort to scale up its government contracting business.
The report got the attention of GOP lawmakers and the Trump administration, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisting Friday that foreign engineers from «any country … should NEVER be allowed to maintain or access DOD systems.» He added that the Defense Department would be «looking into this ASAP.»
After Hegseth’s indication that the Pentagon would be looking into the matter, Fox News Digital reached out to Microsoft, which responded that it would be ceasing its use of China-based computer engineers providing assistance to sensitive Defense Department cloud «and related» services.
TEMU SUED BY KENTUCKY FOR ALLEGEDLY GIVING CHINA ‘UNFETTERED’ ACCESS TO USER DATA
Pete Hegseth addressed Microsoft security concerns. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft; Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images; Omar Havana/Getty Images)
«In response to concerns raised earlier this week about U.S.-supervised foreign engineers, Microsoft has made changes to our support for U.S. government customers to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for DOD government cloud and related services,» Frank Shaw, chief communications officer at Microsoft, said.
«We remain committed to providing the most secure services possible to the U.S. government, including working with our national security partners to evaluate and adjust our security protocols as needed.»
The ProPublica report released earlier this week, which spurred Microsoft’s action, cited current and former employees and government contractors who worked on a cloud computing program deployed by Microsoft in 2016. The program, meant to meet federal contracting regulations, used a system of «digital escort» chaperones for global cybersecurity officials, such as those based in China, meant to create a security buffer so that they can work on agency computing systems. DOD guidelines require that people handling sensitive data be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
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The flags of the United States and China flutter at the Fairmont Peace Hotel April 25, 2024, in Shanghai, China. (Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images)
According to sources who spoke to ProPublica, including some who had intimate familiarity with the hiring process for the $18-per-hour «digital escort» positions, the tech employees being hired to do the supervising lacked the adequate tech expertise to prevent a rogue Chinese employee from hacking the system or turning over classified information to the CCP.
The sources elaborated that the escorts, often former military personnel, were hired for their security clearances more than their technical abilities and often lacked the skills to evaluate code being used by the engineers they were supervising.
HEGSETH ABRUPTLY PULLS PENTAGON OFFICIALS FROM ‘GLOBALIST’ ASPEN CONFERENCE
Microsoft used its escort system to handle sensitive government information that falls below «classified,» the ProPublica report indicated. That includes «data that involves the protection of life and financial ruin.» At the Defense Department, the data is categorized as «Impact Level» four and five, which ProPublica reported includes materials directly supporting military operations.
People in China are governed by sweeping laws compelling government cooperation with data collection efforts.
The Pentagon in Arlington, Va. (Staff/AFP via Getty Images)
Before Microsoft’s announcement Friday that it would be ceasing its use of China-based engineers for sensitive Defense Department programs, the company defended its «digital escort» program, noting all personnel and contractors with privileged access must pass federally approved background checks. The company also pointed to a response from the Defense Information Systems Agency, which said that «digital escorts» are used «in select unclassified environments.»
«For some technical requests, Microsoft engages our team of global subject-matter experts to provide support through authorized U.S. personnel, consistent with U.S. government requirements and processes,» a company spokesperson told Fox News Digital Tuesday. «In these instances, global support personnel have no direct access to customer data or customer systems.»
The spokesperson added at the time that Microsoft adheres to the federal security requirements outlined by the Defense Department and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program established in 2011 to address the risks associated with moving from entirely government-controlled servers to cloud-based computing.
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«We establish layers of mitigation at the platform level with security and monitoring controls to detect and prevent threats. This includes approval workflows for system changes and automated code reviews to quickly detect and prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities,» the spokesperson said. «This production system support model is approved and regularly audited by the U.S. government.»
When reached for comment for this story, the Pentagon referred Fox News Digital to Hegseth’s earlier Friday comments about «looking into» the Microsoft program and declaring foreign engineers «should NEVER» have access to DOD systems.
INTERNACIONAL
House DOGE leader pushes tougher penalties for assaults on police K9s, horses amid anti-ICE violence
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Following violent incidents in Los Angeles and other cities targeting ICE officers – including assaults on K9s and mounted units – Rep. Aaron Bean introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for those who harm law enforcement animals and their handlers.
The news comes after the Department of Homeland Security released new data showing immigration officers collectively are experiencing a 690% increase in assaults against them, as such data tacitly includes animal officers.
«Our police dogs and horses serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike,» Bean, R-Fla., who chairs the DOGE caucus, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
«They deserve real protection, not just praise – and the ‘Leo K9 Protection Act’ will deliver tougher penalties against those who harm these heroic animals in the line of duty.»
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Rep. Aaron Bean and K9s on the Capitol lawn. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
The bill, announced late Tuesday at a ceremony outside the Capitol, implements sentences as high as 15 years – and is named for Marion County, Florida, Sheriff’s Deputy K9 Leo, who was killed in the line of duty.
In February, Leo and his handler responded to a report of battery-by-strangulation at a home in Silver Springs, outside Ocala.
When Leo charged the armed suspect, he was shot and died days later. The suspect was killed by return fire from human officers.
«Leo did exactly what he was trained to do, and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies – to charge directly at danger,» Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told the Ocala News at the time.
Leo’s handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora, joined Bean and others on Tuesday, calling the K9 «more than a partner – he was family.»
«By supporting this bill, we can guarantee that federal working K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty,» Tortora told Fox News Digital.
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Marion County, Florida, K9 Leo is remembered. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
Bean’s bill expands federal statutes protecting human officers to apply to local, state or federal police animals assisting federal agencies. It also directs the Department of Transportation to give a «safe harbor» exception to people rushing injured police animals for veterinary care.
During violent anti-ICE riots in California, at least two suspects were arrested for assaults on non-human police officers.
Dana Whitson of Oro Valley, Arizona, was charged in Los Angeles on several felony counts, including assault upon a peace officer and animal cruelty, after he allegedly assaulted a police horse.
Whitson allegedly shoved the horse and struck its muzzle in June, according to local reports.
Another man, Iran Castro of El Monte, California, was similarly charged for allegedly yanking the reins of police horses after police had given an order for the protesters to disperse, according to Los Angeles’ NBC affiliate.
Rep. Aaron Bean addresses K9 officers at the Capitol. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
Debbie Johnson, founder of K9s United, which supports and advocates for police animals, celebrated the bill, calling its introduction a «defining moment in the fight to protect federal working K9s who defend our nation every day.»
«[This] is the result of years of tireless advocacy and we are proud to carry this mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Bean for standing with us to honor and protect our nation’s four-legged heroes,» she said.
INTERNACIONAL
Tribunal de la ONU abrió la puerta al pago de indemnizaciones a países afectados por el cambio climático
En una opinión consultiva que puede influir en la jurisprudencia global, la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) dictaminó este miércoles que los Estados que violen sus obligaciones climáticas cometen un acto “ilícito” y pueden estar obligados a pagar indemnizaciones a los países más afectados por el calentamiento global.
El dictamen de la más alta instancia judicial de la ONU sobre las obligaciones legales de los países para frenar los efectos del cambio climático y la responsabilidad económica, generó una gran expectativa. Muchos expertos creen que la opinión de los magistrados puede marcar un punto de inflexión para litigios en todo el mundo.
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“Las consecuencias del cambio climático son graves y tienen un gran alcance: afectan tanto a los ecosistemas naturales como a las poblaciones humanas. Estas consecuencias ponen en relieve la amenaza urgente y existencial que supone el cambio climático”, declaró el presidente del tribunal, Yuji Iwasawa, al inicio de la audiencia en La Haya.
Cuáles son las conclusiones del fallo
El tribunal concluyó por unanimidad que la “violación” de las obligaciones climáticas por parte de un Estado constituye “un acto internacional ilícito”, susceptible de dar lugar a indemnizaciones a los países afectados, en determinadas condiciones y según cada caso.
“Las consecuencias jurídicas derivadas de la comisión de un acto internacional ilícito pueden incluir (…) la reparación íntegra del perjuicio sufrido por los Estados lesionados en forma de restitución, indemnización y satisfacción”, declaró el juez Iwasawa. La sequía es una de las manifestaciones del cambio climático. (Foto: AFP)
Sin embargo, los magistrados agregaron que debe establecerse una relación causal directa y cierta “entre el acto ilícito y el perjuicio”, lo cual, aunque difícil de demostrar ante un tribunal, “no es imposible”.
Este dictamen de 140 páginas es de carácter consultivo y no vinculante, pero al ser emitido por la máxima autoridad judicial de la ONU, establecerá una interpretación jurídica sólida para guiar futuras acciones o decisiones judiciales de todo el mundo, en términos de justicia climática.
“Un hito histórico para el clima”
El ministro de Cambio Climático de Vanuatu, Ralph Regenvanu, afirmó que esta decisión es “un hito histórico para el clima”.
“Es un cambio de rumbo muy importante en este momento tan crítico”, afirmó el ministro de este Estado insular, donde la movilización de activistas llegó hasta la Asamblea General de la ONU, que pidió a los 15 jueces del tribunal que se pronunciaran con respecto a dos preguntas:
- ¿Qué obligaciones tienen los Estados, en virtud del derecho internacional, de proteger la Tierra de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero generadas por la combustión de petróleo, gas y carbón para las generaciones presentes y futuras?
- ¿Cuáles son las consecuencias jurídicas de estas obligaciones cuando los Estados, por sus actos y omisiones, han causado daños significativos al sistema climático, en particular a los Estados insulares vulnerables de baja altitud?
La segunda pregunta se refiere a las responsabilidades de los Estados por los daños causados a países pequeños y más vulnerables y a sus poblaciones, en particular los amenazados por la subida del nivel del mar y las condiciones meteorológicas extremas en regiones como el océano Pacífico.
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“Con respecto a la obligación de prevenir daños significativos al medio ambiente, el Tribunal considera que también se aplica al sistema climático, que forma parte integrante y es un componente esencial del medio ambiente y que debe protegerse para las generaciones actuales y futuras”, afirmó el juez Iwasawa.
El magistrado agregó que “los efectos adversos del cambio climático podrían perjudicar significativamente el disfrute efectivo de ciertos derechos humanos, como el derecho a la salud”.
Una lucha entre países poderosos vs. naciones en desarrollo
Durante sus audiencias, en diciembre, el tribunal escuchó más de cien alegatos, un récord. Muchos procedían de Estados pequeños que comparecían ante el tribunal por primera vez.
Como si fueran David contra Goliat, el debate enfrentó a los pequeños países en desarrollo contra las economías avanzadas.
Los grandes países contaminantes, como Estados Unidos e India, argumentaron que el arsenal jurídico existente -la Convención Marco de Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (CMNUCC) y las COP anuales- era suficiente. Sin embargo, Estados Unidos, bajo la presidencia de Donald Trump, retiró su financiación de la CMNUCC y se desentendió de su pacto histórico, el Acuerdo Climático de París.
Los pequeños países reclaman a los contaminadores históricos que paguen compensaciones, una demanda inaceptable para los países más industrializados. También exigen un calendario para la eliminación de los combustibles fósiles y el reconocimiento de los errores del pasado.
(Con información de AFP)
Cambio climático
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Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening…
– Coast Guard overhaul takes off amid Trump administration’s immigration, narcotics crackdown
– ‘Big beautiful bill’ tax cuts touted in ad blitz as Senate GOP gears up for midterms
– NYC council member sounds alarm over Mamdani voters falling for ‘pipe dream’
Brennan directed publication of ‘implausible’ reports claiming Putin preferred Trump in 2016, House found
FIRST ON FOX: The intelligence community did not have any direct information that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to help elect Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, but, at the «unusual» direction of then-President Barack Obama, published «potentially biased» or «implausible» intelligence suggesting otherwise, the House Intelligence Committee found.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified a report prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence back in 2020… READ MORE.
Former President Barack Obama nominates John Brennan, to be CIA director during an event in the East Room at the White House on Jan. 7, 2013, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
White House
WAR OF WORDS: Trump border czar Tom Homan slams ‘former first drug addict’ Hunter Biden over inflammatory immigration rant
HIDDEN HANDS: 7 details revealed in newly released MLK files
‘INSTRUMENTAL’: Coast Guard overhaul takes off amid Trump administration’s immigration, narcotics crackdown
World Stage
ALGORITHM OF WAR: AI arms race: US and China weaponize drones, code and biotech for the next great war
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HUNGER ON THE FRONT: News agency says its Gaza journalists suffering health woes as union warns they will die without intervention
An airstrike hits a building in the Al-Nasr neighborhood in Gaza City, Gaza on July 21, 2025. (Saeed M. M. T. Jaras/Anadolu via Getty Images)
BACKSTABBING ALLIES: Huckabee hits back at Western countries that ‘side’ with terror group Hamas
REAL ‘WONDER WOMAN’: ‘Wonder Woman’ actress Gal Gadot praises ‘strength’ of freed Hamas hostages during emotional visit
PRICE WAR SHOWDOWN: Trump says he may use trade to force countries, pharma companies to buy into his most favored nation provision
POWER GRAB BACKLASH: Ukraine sees sweeping protests over bill weakening anti-corruption agencies
Capitol Hill
‘QUIET PART OUT LOUD’: Immigrants needed for ‘redistricting purposes,’ House Dem admits in viral clip: ‘Quiet part out loud’
PASSING GRADE: Senate weathers Dem opposition, advances first government funding bill
CASHFLOW: WATCH: Lawmakers break down how billions in the ‘big, beautiful bill’ boost Trump’s immigration crackdown
JUDICIAL SHOWDOWN: Senate votes to consider former Trump lawyer for lifetime as appeals court judge
Emil Bove, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, is sworn in before testifying during his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on June 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. A whistleblower alleged that Bove, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, told Justice Department staff to defy court orders and continue to carry out Trump’s deportation plans. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
‘POTENTIALLY BIASED’: Brennan directed publication of ‘implausible’ reports claiming Putin preferred Trump in 2016, House found
STAYING PUT: After meeting with Trump, Republican in key House battleground announces major decision on ‘Fox and Friends’
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ‘Big beautiful bill’ tax cuts touted in ad blitz as Senate GOP gears up for midterms
‘KEEP SHOOTING, DAD’: Grieving mom testifies about Marine vet son’s death at hands of violent illegal aliens
Across America
LEGAL LEGEND LOST: Roy Black, famed defense attorney for Rush Limbaugh and Jeffrey Epstein, dies after illustrious career
COURT ORDER: New Jersey’s ban on privately operated ICE detention centers struck down by court
CRACKING DOWN: Trump’s immigration enforcement push results in skyrocketing arrests of criminal illegal aliens
‘PROHIBITS SPEECH’: Federal judge partially blocks law banning adults from helping minors get out-of-state abortions
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti leaves a press conference discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision that upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender transition treatments for transgender minors at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (The Tennessean )
STEALTH AGENDA: WATCH: DEI efforts were rebranded at 2 red-state colleges to skirt Trump orders, staffers admit
‘CULTURE OF SHAME’: NYC council member sounds alarm over Mamdani voters falling for ‘pipe dream’
‘DEADLY FORCE’: ICE chief warns AI technology could lead to safety risks for agents: ‘Fringe organizations’
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