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Hunter Biden’s Ambien claim triggers deeper GOP probe into alleged cover-up of former president’s cognition
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Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are now digging into Hunter Biden’s implication that an Ambien sleeping pill was responsible for his father’s consequential debate performance one year ago, Fox News Digital has confirmed.
The revelation comes as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is leading an investigation into the alleged cover-up of President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and his administration’s potentially unauthorized autopen use for pardons and executive actions.
«He’s 81 years old. He’s tired as s–t,» Hunter Biden told Andrew Callaghan on his «Channel 5» podcast last weekend. «They give him Ambien to be able to sleep. He gets up on the stage, and he looks like he’s a deer in the headlights.»
But the former president’s son later clarified to ABC News that he did not mean Biden was taking Ambien directly before the debate, and he had intended to make a greater point about his father’s rigorous travel schedule in the weeks leading up to that disastrous debate night.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS FLOAT GRILLING JOE, JILL BIDEN AS FORMER AIDES STONEWALL COVER-UP PROBE
Former President Joe Biden, left, and his son, Hunter Biden, stand side-by-side. (Getty Images)
«Hunter Biden’s claim that ‘they gave him Ambien to be able to sleep’ raises serious questions,» a House Oversight Committee spokesperson told Fox News Digital. «The House Oversight Committee is looking into this as part of its investigation into the cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline and unauthorized executive actions by White House staff.»
Ambien, or zolpidem, is a prescription medication for insomnia. It is intended only for short-term use, according to GoodRx. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle and joint pain, and double or blurry vision.
JILL BIDEN ‘WORK HUSBAND’ PLEADS FIFTH AMENDMENT, DODGES HOUSE GOP COVER-UP PROBE QUESTIONS
The medication can also cause memory problems and grogginess during the day, and more serious and rare side effects can include hallucinations, «abnormal thinking and behavior» and «possible increased risk of dementia in older adults,» according to GoodRx.
Biden’s former chief of staff and a fixture of his re-election campaign, Ron Klain, is expected to participate in a transcribed interview on Thursday before the House Oversight Committee.
In a letter requesting his appearance, Comer quoted Klain as cutting Biden’s debate prep short last year «due to the president’s fatigue and lack of familiarity with the subject matter,» adding that Biden «didn’t really understand what his argument was on inflation,» citing a POLITICO report from earlier this year.
«If White House staff carried out a strategy lasting months or even years to hide the chief executive’s condition—or to perform his duties—Congress may need to consider a legislative response,» Comer said, arguing that the scope of Klain’s responsibilities in his personal and professional capacities «cannot go without investigation.»
Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of The New York Times, and Isaac Arnsdor of The Washington Post describe in their new book, «2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America,» how during the June 2024 debate «Biden’s aides winced as the president started answering the first question.»
Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini follow President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Feb. 16, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
And backstage, as Biden stumbled over an answer that questionably ended with, «We finally beat Medicare,» Klain stood up and announced, «We’re f—ed,» according to the authors.
When reached for comment to confirm the book’s allegation, Klain told Fox News Digital, «I have nothing to add.»
A top former Biden administration aide invoked the Fifth Amendment during her closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee, Fox News Digital was told.
Annie Tomasini became the third Democratic ex-official to stonewall investigators looking into whether signs of Biden’s alleged mental decline were covered up by his inner circle.
The former White House deputy chief of staff was seen entering and exiting the committee room in under an hour, saying nothing to reporters either time.
Former President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
A source familiar with the discussions told Fox News Digital that she invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times. Tomasini herself did not answer when Fox News Digital asked if she did so, and her lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.
«Today, the third witness in our investigation into the cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline and unauthorized executive actions pleaded the Fifth Amendment. There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy,» Comer told Fox News Digital.
Tomasini is the third former Biden administration official to come before committee investigators under subpoena, and the fifth to appear overall.
She was meant to appear Friday for a voluntary transcribed interview, but a committee aide previously told Fox News Digital that Tomasini’s lawyers had asked Comer to issue a subpoena specifically.
Both prior officials who appeared under subpoena—former White House physician Kevin O’Connor and Anthony Bernal, a longtime aide to former First Lady Jill Biden—also invoked the Fifth Amendment.
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Biden’s office declined to comment to Fox News Digital about the House GOP probe into his alleged Ambien use.
But a source familiar with the Biden team’s thinking regarding the ongoing House Oversight investigation had previously told Fox News Digital that Trump and congressional Republicans are simply seeking «retribution» through a «partisan, coordinated effort.»
«It’s an attempt to smear and embarrass,» the source said. «And their hope is for just one tiny inconsistency between witnesses to appear so that Trump’s DOJ [can] prosecute his political opponents and continue his campaign of revenge.»
Fox News’ Melissa Ruddy, Aishah Hasnie, Tyler Olson and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.
INTERNACIONAL
Estas son las cinco condiciones aprobadas por Israel para poner fin a la guerra en Gaza
Israel dio un nuevo paso en su estrategia militar y política en la Franja de Gaza al definir los términos que, según su gobierno, permitirían poner fin al actual conflicto con el grupo terrorista Hamas. En una sesión clave celebrada este viernes, el Gabinete de Seguridad aprobó una serie de principios que establecen las condiciones mínimas para un eventual alto el fuego, así como un nuevo plan de acción militar centrado en la ocupación de la Ciudad de Gaza, uno de los últimos bastiones del grupo islamista.
Las decisiones se producen en un momento en que el conflicto ha alcanzado un punto crítico tanto en el frente militar como en el terreno diplomático. Las autoridades israelíes sostienen que la derrota total de Hamas y la recuperación de los rehenes son objetivos innegociables. A la vez, se intensifican los debates internos sobre la viabilidad y el impacto humanitario de una ocupación más amplia del enclave palestino.
Los principios, informados por la Oficina del Primer Ministro, son:
- El desarme de Hamas.
- El regreso de todos los rehenes, vivos y muertos.
- La desmilitarización de Gaza.
- Control de seguridad israelí en Gaza.
- El establecimiento de una administración civil que no sea ni Hamas ni la Autoridad Palestina.
Según el comunicado oficial, “una mayoría decisiva de ministros del Gabinete de Seguridad creía que el plan alternativo que se había presentado al Gabinete de Seguridad no lograría la derrota de Hamas ni el regreso de los rehenes”.
Horas antes de la aprobación de la misión, el primer ministro Benjamin Netanyahu declaró que Israel no quiere gobernar Gaza. “Queremos entregársela a fuerzas árabes que la gobiernen adecuadamente sin amenazarnos y garantizando una vida digna para los gazatíes; eso no es posible con Hamas”, afirmó.
En la misma sesión, el gabinete también aprobó un plan militar presentado por Netanyahu para que las Fuerzas de Defensa de Israel (FDI) ocupen la Ciudad de Gaza, situada en el norte del enclave palestino. La decisión fue comunicada oficialmente por la Oficina del Primer Ministro y confirmada por medios locales.
Según el comunicado, las FDI se prepararán para avanzar sobre la ciudad y se comprometerán a garantizar la provisión de ayuda humanitaria a la población civil ubicada fuera de las zonas de combate. La oficina del primer ministro señaló que el gabinete respaldó la “propuesta de Netanyahu para derrotar a Hamas” y que Israel “proporcionará ayuda humanitaria a la población civil fuera de las zonas de combate”.
Indicó, además, que de los 50 rehenes que Israel contabiliza como aún cautivos de Hamas, se cree que 20 continúan con vida. El regreso de estas personas, junto con la eliminación de la capacidad militar del grupo, forman parte central de los principios aprobados.
Medios israelíes señalaron que el plan alternativo rechazado sería el impulsado por el jefe del Estado Mayor de las FDI, Eyal Zamir, quien expresó su oposición a la ocupación total de la franja, argumentando que podría derivar en un desastre humanitario y poner en riesgo la vida de los cautivos.
El comunicado del gobierno se refiere únicamente a la Ciudad de Gaza y no menciona la ocupación de toda la Franja, aunque el jueves Netanyahu había declarado que su objetivo era tomar el control total del enclave. La ciudad representa aproximadamente el 25% del territorio que las FDI todavía no controlan, junto con varios campos de refugiados en el centro de Gaza.
No está claro si las otras áreas no conquistadas serán incluidas en etapas posteriores del plan aprobado. El énfasis en la Ciudad de Gaza indica que la toma de control militar se iniciará de manera gradual.
La ciudad, donde viven cerca de 800.000 residentes, es uno de los últimos bastiones bajo control de Hamas y concentra una alta densidad de población civil. Su eventual ocupación reduciría aún más el territorio habitable para los 2 millones de habitantes de Gaza y anticipa complejidades operativas y humanitarias en las próximas semanas.
(Con información de EFE)
Middle East,Military Conflicts,ISRAEL-GAZA BORDER
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President Trump increases federal law enforcement presence in DC following violent crime surge
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President Donald Trump has directed federal law enforcement to increase its presence throughout Washington, D.C., following a concerning surge in violent crime, including an incident in which a former DOGE worker nicknamed «Big Balls» was brutally beaten in the streets this week.
Trump signed an executive order in March establishing the «Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force.» Now the administration is taking a whole-of-government approach by deploying additional law enforcement to increase presence and improve overall public safety in the nation’s capital city, according to a source familiar with the plans.
The operation, which will use both local and federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, DEA and others, begins at midnight on Thursday and will initially last for seven days with the option to extend «as needed.»
Law enforcement will focus on improving safety in high-traffic tourist areas and other known hotspots.
TRUMP WHITE HOUSE CELEBRATES LATEST CHAPTER OF WINS AT 200-DAY MARK
Following a former DOGE worker nicknamed «Big Balls» being brutally beaten by gang members in the streets of Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump indicated he is strongly considering taking control of the district to stamp out the rampant crime and violence plaguing the nation’s capital city. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images and AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
In a statement to Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced «there will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C.» beginning on Thursday night.
«Washington, DC is an amazing city, but it has been plagued by violent crime for far too long,» Leavitt said. «President Trump has directed an increased presence of federal law enforcement to protect innocent citizens. Starting tonight, there will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C.»
She added, «President Trump is committed to making our Nation’s capital safer for its residents, lawmakers, and visitors from all around the world.»
The source familiar with the plans noted that stamping out the «out-of-control violent crime plaguing DC» has been an «ongoing priority» for the president and that the move is him delivering on his campaign promise to restore the capital city.
TRUMP THREATENS TO FEDERALIZE DC AFTER EX-DOGE EMPLOYEE ‘BIG BALLS’ VIOLENTLY BEATEN
A view of the White House at night in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 23, 2022. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Among the priorities laid out in Trump’s executive order, he directed the task force to deploy a more robust federal law enforcement presence and coordinate with local law enforcement in the District of Columbia, including the National Mall and Memorial Parks, museums, monuments, Lafayette Park, Union Station, Rock Creek Park, Anacostia Park, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Suitland Parkway, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
The order also instructs the task force to review and, if needed, revise federal prosecutorial policies on pretrial detention of criminal defendants to ensure individuals who pose a threat to public safety are detained to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Additionally, the order instructs the task force to direct maximum enforcement of federal immigration law, redirecting federal, state or local law enforcement resources to apprehend and deport illegals throughout the area.
WATCH: TRUMP HINTS HE WILL FEDERALIZE DC SOON, BRING IN NATIONAL GUARD AFTER ‘BIG BALLS’ ATTACK
President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
The source said the additional law enforcement will be devoted to protecting D.C. residents and visitors from the «scourge of violent crime plaguing» the city.
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«President Trump promised to Make DC Safe Again on the campaign trail – this is another promise kept,» they said.
donald trump,executive policy,washington dc,crime world,police and law enforcement
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A zoo in Europe is inviting the public to turn unwanted pets into prey, calling for donations of fluffy rabbits and family guinea pigs to be euthanized and fed to its predator residents.
The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark announced the program in a Facebook post, sparking public uproar, including the ire of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
«If you have an animal that, for various reasons, needs to be rehomed, you are welcome to donate it to us. The animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff and then used as feed,» the zoo wrote in the social media post. «In this way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behavior, proper nutrition, and well-being for our predators.»
The zoo said private individuals and businesses can donate chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, which organizers said make up an important part of predators’ diets.
The zoo is accepting small animals such as guinea pigs and larger animals for prey donations. (iStock)
PETA CALLS MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL ‘EGREGIOUSLY CRUEL’ IN NEW LAWSUIT AGAINST CITY
Specifically, the zoo said the Eurasian lynx requires «whole» prey animals that resemble what it would naturally hunt in the wild.
«In zoos, we have a responsibility to replicate the animals’ natural food chain — for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity,» employees wrote in the post.
The zoo is also accepting horses, noting owners «can join us all the way if you wish.»
A Eurasian lynx stalks prey in a forest. (Philippe Clement/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
HUNDREDS OF ANIMALS FLEE CARTEL CHAOS, VIOLENCE AFTER WILDLIFE REFUGE FACED WITH THREATS
PETA weighed in on the controversial initiative, saying there is nothing «natural» about the donation request.
«It’s not ‘natural behaviour’ for predators from Asia, who roam and hunt for their meals, to be fed companion animals who originated in South America,» PETA wrote in an online news release. «Companion animals are never needed to ‘imitate the natural food chain of the [zoo’s] animals’ (as an Aalborg Zoo spokesperson described the program).»
Horses can also be donated for prey, according to the zoo. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)
BEARS ESCAPE WILDLIFE PARK ENCLOSURE AND FEAST ON WEEK’S WORTH OF HONEY
PETA added if the Aalborg Zoo «truly cares about animals,» it should focus on protecting species in their natural habitats.
The zoo later turned off the comments on its Facebook post detailing the program, citing «significant international interest.»
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«We understand that the post evokes emotions and interest, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is unnecessary — and we encourage keeping a respectful tone,» leadership wrote. «We’re happy to elaborate and answer questions via private messages or email.»
The Aalborg Zoo and PETA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
europe,world,pets,lifestyle
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