INTERNACIONAL
Former Trump advisors wage Balkan campaign as MAGA moves into Europe
Former campaign advisors of President Donald Trump are at work on a new campaign in the Balkans, hoping to tip the scales for the right-wing Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, who faces off against the highly favored Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama in Sunday’s parliamentary elections.
Former Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita, Trump 2016 campaign manager Paul Manafort, and strategist and pollster Tony Fabrizio round out the team backing Berisha, according to the Associated Press. LaCivita has compared Trump and Berisha, saying they are both «unfairly prosecuted and persecuted by a government that has no regard for Democracy.»
When asked by Syri TV’s Cim Peka why the Albanian election is important for the world, LaCivita said that «one of the things that many of us know in the United States is that the Soros family is very active in politics around the globe, and it’s not just regular politics, it’s destabilizing politics.» LaCivita said that the family thrives «in an environment where the governments are insecure and they found the perfect home unfortunately in Albania, and they found the perfect prime minister in Edi Rama.»
SOROS V TRUMP — SOCIALISTS TARGET CONSERVATIVES IN UPCOMING EUROPEAN NATION’S ELECTION
Chris LaCivita, who served as co-campaign manager of Donald Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign, shakes hands with Sali Berisha, leader of Albania’s main opposition center-right Democratic Party that he is consulting for the upcoming May 11 parliamentary election, in Tirana, Albania, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo)
The Socialist Rama is hoping to win a fourth consecutive term as PM in Sunday’s election on a promise of bringing Albania into the European Union while the country still faces major problems of graft and corruption.
LaCivita explained that calling out Soros’ involvement was important «because it has an impact on Albania’s future.» He said that Berisha’s campaign is «about the Albanian people,» explaining that their «biggest desire is to be able to work, live, and raise a family and have a future and so any time that there are individuals or that there are organizations that want to create an atmosphere that make that difficult, to me they’re the actual enemy and those are the people that we wage campaigns to actually defeat.»
George and Alex Soros’ Open Society Foundations has been very involved in the Balkans and has invested over $131 million in Albania in a period of 18 years.
Requests sent to representatives of the Soros’ Open Society were not returned by press time.
When Fox News Digital spoke to Berisha in April about the impediments he faced in the May 11 elections, he named the sanctions placed against him by the Biden administration for allegations of corruption in 2021. «I’m not able to meet with Albanian Americans, which are so numerous, and in this election, for the first time, they have the right to vote for the party and candidate they prefer in their country of origin,» Berisha explained.
ALBANIA ISSUES YEARLONG TIKTOK BAN AMID YOUTH VIOLENCE CONCERNS
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, center, applauds during his main election campaign rally in Tirana, Albania, Friday, May 9, 2025, as his ruling Socialist Party (PS) seeks a fourth term. (AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj)
To date, there appears to be no movement on sanctions against Berisha. In April, the State Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions about whether it would consider lifting sanctions against Berisha, and whether the sanctions in place impeded free and fair elections in Albania. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital Thursday that «the Department has nothing to report on this designation at this time.»
Berisha’s race has been fraught by other complications, including being stripped of his legal immunity in December 2023 and held under house arrest until November 2024. Berisha is currently awaiting trial on corruption charges.
Berisha told Fox News Digital that the charges were the product of lawfare leveled against him by Rama and Soros.
Berisha is not the only opposition candidate who has faced charges in the lead-up to elections. Former Albanian president Ilir Meta was also arrested on corruption allegations in October 2024.
ALBANIANS RALLY BY THE THOUSANDS AGAINST RULING SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT
Albanian opposition supporters hold a placard showing US President Donald Trump (C) and Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha (CR) during an anti-government protest in front of the Prime Minister’s office in Tirana on February 8, 2025. Major right-wing opposition parties have accused the longtime Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and have called for the government to resign. (Photo by Adnan Beci/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Albanian Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations Agim Nesho told Fox News Digital that «May 11 elections are unfolding under intense pressure from the ruling Socialist Party, which has clung to power for over 12 years. The regime stands accused of jailing opposition leaders on fabricated charges, weaponizing state institutions, and silencing dissent in a country where citizens are increasingly afraid to speak freely.»
Nesho claimed that «the Albanian people are being denied the basic democratic rights to organize, vote, and oppose the government without fear. This system of repression, critics say, is supported—either tacitly or directly—by elements of the Biden administration and global actors like Alex Soros, who have worked to undercut the opposition and prevent free and fair elections, much like the political persecution seen in the United States against former President Donald Trump.»
Saying that the «election could mark a turning point,» as «a true grassroots movement is rising—ready to challenge state corruption and restore Albania’s path to freedom, development, and democratic self-determination,» Nesho called «on the Trump administration to closely monitor these elections and send a clear message to Tirana: America is watching.»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama waves as he addresses his supporters in the central square of Tirana, following his Socialist Party election victory on April 27, 2021. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told supporters on April 27, 2021, that they had delivered his Socialist Party’s «most difficult but sweetest» election victory, as almost complete results suggested he had clinched a record third term in office. (Photo by Gent ShkullakuAFP via Getty Images)
Nesho said «the United States must stand firmly on the side of democracy and the rule of law. The Albanian people deserve free elections, not another manipulated outcome enforced through fear and political imprisonment.»
Politico reported that while Rama’s Socialist Party appears to be ahead in polling, the impact Albanians who live abroad being allowed to vote for the first time, and a lack of reliability in polling data may still leave room for Berisha to secure victory and return to office as prime minister.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a sign of a «deep rift» in American society, while offering his condolences to the family of the late conservative activist.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi at a forum of Russian experts, Putin addressed the killing, according to Reuters.
«This is a disgusting atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all saw it. It was truly horrific,» Putin said. «First and foremost, I extend my condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family and all his loved ones. We sympathize and empathize.
JD VANCE DECLARES THERE IS ‘NO UNITY’ WITH PEOPLE WHO CELEBRATE CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday condemned the killing of Charlie Kirk while speaking to a panel of Russian experts. (Getty Images)
«What happened is a reflection of a deep division within society. In the United States, I don’t believe there is any need to escalate the situation externally, as the country’s political leadership is working to restore order domestically,» he added.
Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at Utah Valley University.
His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, faces seven charges, including aggravated homicide, which carries the potential death penalty; felony discharge of a firearm; obstruction and witness tampering.
Robinson returned to court Monday and is scheduled to appear again Oct. 30. Prosecutors said they had already gathered «voluminous» evidence against him.
TRUMP DEFENDS LABELING ANTIFA A ‘TERRORIST ORGANIZATION’ AS HE TARGETS LEFT-WING EXTREMISM
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Kirk’s murder has intensified debate over political violence in the United States. Republican leaders have urged Democrats to moderate their rhetoric toward President Donald Trump and to embrace greater tolerance for opposing views.
In addition to addressing Kirk’s death, Putin responded to Trump’s recent characterization of Russia as a «paper tiger.»
«A paper tiger? Then go deal with this paper tiger,» Putin said. «If we are fighting the entire NATO bloc, moving forward, advancing and feeling confident, and we are still called a paper tiger, then what does that make NATO itself?»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Last week, Trump predicted Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia before labeling Moscow a «paper tiger.»
vladimir putin,charlie kirk,russia
El canciller alemán Friedrich Merz insistió este jueves desde una cumbre de líderes europeos en Copenhague que apoyará “cualquier vía” que permita utilizar activos rusos congelados para conceder un préstamo de reparación a Ucrania. Merz confió en que la Unión Europea tome una decisión en “semanas”, a pesar de que Bélgica rechaza de plano la propuesta por considerarla una “confiscación” con lagunas legales.
“Apoyaré cualquier vía que permita el uso de activos rusos para seguir ayudando a Ucrania y garantizar que la guerra termine lo antes posible”, declaró Merz a la prensa al término de la cumbre de líderes de la Comunidad Política Europea (CPE) celebrada en la capital danesa.
El mandatario alemán se refirió a la próxima cumbre formal de jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de la Unión, prevista para dentro de tres semanas en Bruselas, y confió en que entonces se tome una “decisión concreta”. Tras dos días de reuniones al máximo nivel en Copenhague, Merz afirmó tener la convicción de que existe un “fuerte acuerdo” tanto en el seno de la UE como de la CPE respecto a seguir esa vía.
“Putin no debería subestimar nuestra determinación. Hay una gran unidad y una firme determinación de contrarrestar juntos esta agresión”, insistió.
La cita danesa fue la primera ocasión para que los líderes europeos examinaran la propuesta que la presidenta de la Comisión Europea, Ursula von der Leyen, circuló entre las capitales: usar los activos soberanos rusos congelados en Bélgica —en el depósito de fondos Euroclear— para conceder un préstamo a Kiev.
Al término de la jornada, en una rueda de prensa junto a la primera ministra danesa, Mette Frederiksen, el presidente de Ucrania, Volodimir Zelensky, celebró que “casi todos los líderes estén planteando el pleno uso de los fondos congelados rusos”.
Frederiksen, por su parte, concedió que el debate del miércoles sobre este asunto fue “intenso” y que afloraron “algunas cuestiones técnicas que deben ser resueltas”, pero al mismo tiempo se mostró “bastante segura” de que sabrán resolverlas. “Es justo que Rusia pague por los daños que ha causado”, zanjó.
El crédito sin intereses tendría un valor de unos 140.000 millones de euros y Ucrania solo tendría que devolverlo si llegara la paz y Moscú indemnizara al país por los daños de la guerra.
El Ejecutivo comunitario y los defensores de la iniciativa sostienen que no se trataría de una “confiscación” de los activos, pero Bélgica niega respaldo al plan. Su primer ministro, Bart de Wever, advirtió este jueves en rueda de prensa sobre el riesgo de trasladar el mensaje de que “un grupo de países pueden, simplemente, decidir políticamente cogerlo (el dinero) y dárselo en un préstamo” a otro país.
«Ceci n’est pas une confiscation» (Esto no es una confiscación), ironizó De Wever, usando el título de uno de los cuadros más conocidos del pintor surrealista belga René Magritte, La traición de las imágenes, en el que se ve una pipa de fumar sobre la frase “Esto no es una pipa”.
El político belga reveló que la víspera trasladó al resto de líderes de la UE sus dudas legales respecto a un proyecto “sin precedentes” y “muy arriesgado”, y criticó a Von der Leyen porque su Ejecutivo no respondió con claridad a todas estas preocupaciones en las semanas en que Bélgica pidió aclaraciones.
Con todo, De Wever dejó la puerta abierta a reconsiderar la situación si de aquí al Consejo Europeo de finales de octubre se responde a las dudas legales y si el resto de países se comprometen a mutualizar los riesgos y garantizan que responderán junto a Bélgica “si algo va mal”.
Por su parte, el primer ministro de Hungría, Viktor Orbán, que por distintas razones mantiene un veto regular contra toda iniciativa europea de apoyo a Ucrania frente a Rusia, criticó con dureza que la UE se plantee usar los fondos en efectivo congelados.
“No somos ladrones, ese dinero no es nuestro”, afirmó Orbán a la prensa a su salida de la cumbre, para insistir en que “de ninguna manera” Hungría formará parte de un proyecto que supone “tocar el dinero de otro”.
International,Relations,Diplomacy / Foreign Policy,Europe
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of endangering women’s health, saying the agency approved another chemical abortion drug without the thorough safety review it had promised.
Hawley argued the move shows both regulatory failure and the influence of a company that refuses to define «woman» in its materials.
«This is shocking. FDA has just approved ANOTHER chemical abortion drug, when the evidence shows chemical abortion drugs are dangerous and even deadly for the mother. And of course 100% lethal to the child,» he wrote on X on Thursday afternoon.
«FDA had promised to do a top-to-bottom safety review of the chemical abortion drug, but instead they’ve just greenlighted new versions of it for distribution. I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.»
PRO-LIFE GROUP URGES SENATE TO PRESS RFK JR. ON ABORTION PILL SAFETY, DEMAND SAFEGUARDS RETURN
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration of endangering women’s health after it approved another chemical abortion drug without what he said was a promised full safety review. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Evita Solutions describes its mission as one to «normalize abortion» and make it «accessible to all.» On its website, the company says it «believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care, regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, sexuality, income, or where they live.
«We know that you can make the best choice for your body.»
According to the FDA, Evita received approval in a Sept. 30 letter obtained by Reuters.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hawley said the FDA’s decision was even more troubling given its promised safety review has barely begun.
«I just, I can’t figure out what’s happening at the FDA. I’m totally baffled by it,» Hawley said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDA and Evita Solutions for comment on the matter.
FDA CHIEF HAS NO ‘PLANS’ FOR ABORTION PILL POLICY CHANGES BUT CONTINUES SAFETY REVIEW
In another post, Hawley blasted the FDA for partnering with a company that «doesn’t even believe there is such a thing as a ‘woman.’»
Evita Solutions now joins GenBioPro in producing the generic version of mifepristone, the abortion pill originally made by Danco Laboratories. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, and is followed by misoprostol to complete the process.
The approval comes as abortion drugs face mounting opposition from conservative lawmakers, religious organizations and pro-life groups.
MORE THAN 20 GOP ATTORNEYS GENERAL CALL ON RFK JR, FDA TO REINSTATE SAFEGUARDS FOR ABORTION DRUGS
Misoprostol, left, and mifepristone, the two drugs used in a medication abortion. (Robyn Bech/AFP via Getty Images)
Religious groups like Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom have campaigned against the drug, while the Restoration of America Foundation (ROAF) has pressed lawmakers for accountability.
Last month, ROAF called on the Senate Finance Committee to hold Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accountable at a hearing, demanding answers about the removal of safety protocols for the abortion pill mifepristone.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, ROAF warned that the rollback leaves women more vulnerable and shifts costs to taxpayers. The group said the Biden-era changes endanger women by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed via telehealth and sent through the mail.
Hawley said the FDA should restore the safeguards put in place under the Trump administration.
«What needs to happen is the FDA needs to get in line with the president’s policy and put back into place the safety regulations President Trump had. Ditch the Biden approach and go back to President Trump’s approach,» Hawley said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Under the Biden administration, the FDA for the first time allowed telehealth prescribing and mail-order delivery of abortion pills. Previously, the agency required mifepristone to be dispensed in person to screen for complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Reuters contributed to this report.
reproductive health,abortion,health,health care healthy living,pregnancy,politics
Ritondo habló sobre la situación de Espert: “La explicación no alcanzó”
Russian leader responds to American conservative’s murder: ‘A disgusting atrocity’
Agregar cáscaras de papa al pie del limonero: para qué sirve y qué beneficios tiene
Abrió un nuevo outlet de Adidas con zapatillas baratas y camisetas con descuentos de hasta 80%
La Justicia confirmó que José Luis Espert viajó 35 veces en aviones vinculados al narco “Fred” Machado
Alemania insistió en el uso de activos rusos para financiar a Ucrania
Kicillof habló del triple femicidio y le pidió a Milei que convoque a los gobernadores: “El narcotráfico afecta a toda la Argentina”
Cristina Kirchner chicaneó a Javier Milei: “La Recesión Avanza y los dólares se te siguen yendo”
El desolador llanto de Thiago Medina por sus hijas tras despertar del coma, a 17 días del accidente: “Se largó a llorar cuando le hablaron de las nenas”
Mario Massaccesi casó a Manu Jove y su colega de TN: los desconocidos detalles de la boda
POLITICA1 día agoCristina Kirchner chicaneó a Javier Milei: “La Recesión Avanza y los dólares se te siguen yendo”
- CHIMENTOS3 días ago
Mario Massaccesi casó a Manu Jove y su colega de TN: los desconocidos detalles de la boda
- POLITICA17 horas ago
Axel Kicillof pide deuda por US$1045 millones y pone a prueba la cohesión del PJ en la Legislatura
