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Soros-backed prosecutor hit with rebuke after dismissing probe as Trump ‘partisan attacks’: ‘Hey scumbag’

Mother of murder victim Stephanie Minter calls out lenient policies amid DOJ investigation
Cheryl Minter, mother of murdered Stephanie Minter, expresses outrage over her daughter’s killing by an illegal immigrant with a violent criminal history. Minter reveals that Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano repeatedly showed leniency to the suspect. She reacts to news that the DOJ is investigating Descano for giving preferential treatment to illegal immigrants over citizens, emphasizing the need to prioritize American children and citizens.
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Embattled Soros-backed prosecutor Steve Descano is facing scrutiny again, this time for dismissing a Justice Department probe into allegations that he gave favorable deals to illegal immigrants, calling it one of President Donald Trump’s «partisan attacks.»
Jennifer Harrison, head of the Victim Rights Reform Council, responded to Fairfax County, Virginia, Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano’s claim by writing on X, «Hey scumbag … This has NOTHING to do with President Trump and it’s not going to be the fundraising tool you thought it would – no Soros blood money for you today.»
The DOJ opened a «pattern or practice» civil rights investigation into Descano last week, examining whether his office violated federal law by weighing «immigration consequences» in charging decisions and plea deals, amid an ongoing spate of violent crime in Fairfax County involving illegal immigrants.
Victim Rights Reform Council requested that the DOJ launch an investigation on behalf of Cheryl Minter, whose daughter, Stephanie Minter, was fatally stabbed at a bus stop earlier this year, allegedly by Abdul Jalloh, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone.
DOJ OPENS INVESTIGATION INTO SOROS-BACKED DA ACCUSED OF SHIELDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CONSEQUENCES
Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano speaks at an event in Fairfax County, Va. (Sarah Voisin/Getty Images)
Descano responded to the DOJ investigation through spokeswoman Laura Birnbaum, who wrote in a statement that «this investigation is the latest example of the Trump administration’s own ‘pattern or practice’ of misusing the Justice Department to launch partisan attacks.»
Birnbaum said the «DOJ’s letter announcing the investigation distorts the office’s policy,» which she said has «been in place publicly for over five years – and happened to arrive just a week before Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano is set to testify before Congress.»
Descano, whose entry into political office was propelled by a massive $627,653 donation from the Soros family’s Justice and Public Safety PAC, is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement on Thursday.
The hearing is titled «Fairfax County, Virginia: The Dangerous Consequences of Sanctuary Policies.» County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid will also testify, along with Minter, former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, and Virginians for Safe Communities President Sean Kennedy.
SOROS-BACKED DA’S LAX ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION POLICIES LED TO ‘PREVENTABLE’ BUS STOP STABBING MURDER: COMPLAINT

Abdul Jalloh, 32, is accused of killing Stephanie Minter, 41, at a bus stop in Virginia. (Fairfax County Police Department; provided)
Birnbaum insisted, «Our office’s policies are fair, legal, and reflect the values of Fairfax County.»
She said Descano’s office «will not be distracted from our mission of keeping this community safe and holding individuals accountable when they commit crimes.»
In response, Harrison said the civil rights investigation was initiated after a request from a victim’s loved one.
«Hey scumbag – Cheryl Minter, mother of Stephanie filed the complaint that initiated the investigation. I know bc I filed it on her behalf,» wrote Harrison.
She continued, «We are also well aware that your deadly and disastrous policies were in place for quite some time – if not Cheryl’s daughter Stephanie would still be alive which is why we filed the complaint and asked for this investigation.»
DEM GOVERNOR UNDER FIRE AFTER ILLEGAL ALIEN ALLEGEDLY STABS WOMAN TO DEATH AT BUS STOP: ‘HEINOUS’

Harmeet K. Dhillon speaks at the IAC National Summit 2026 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., on Jan. 17, 2026. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
In another X post, Harrison called the victim’s mother «an amazing, brave woman,» writing, «We cannot bring Stephanie back but we can make sure this does not keep happening in her honor.»
Fox News Digital reached out to Descano’s office for comment.
In a press release following Minter’s death, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Descano’s office had been warned about Jalloh and the danger he posed to the public ahead of Minter’s death.
Last week, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the investigation into Descano would zero in on his plea bargaining, charging decisions and sentencing policies.
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«Under my leadership, the Civil Rights Division will not allow local prosecutors to pick and choose winners based on their immigration status,» said Dhillon, adding, «This investigation will uncover whether this prosecutor is putting the community at risk in offering sweetheart deals to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes.»
Fox News Digital also reached out to the DOJ and White House for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Leo Briceno and Ashley Oliver contributed to this report.
sanctuary cities, migrant crime, illegal immigrants, justice department, george soros, virginia, woke
INTERNACIONAL
EXCLUSIVE: Former ‘Apprentice’ star picked by Trump to showcase America’s 250th anniversary through art

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WASHINGTON — Nearly two decades after hearing «You’re fired!» on NBC’s «The Apprentice,» Erin Scavino says President Donald Trump chose her to lead one of the federal government’s least-known offices as it helps tell America’s story to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Scavino, director of the State Department’s Art in Embassies program, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview inside the Art Museum of the Americas that she never imagined she’d go from reality TV to overseeing one of the Trump administration’s signature America 250 cultural initiatives.
She said she views her appointment as part of Trump’s broader effort to elevate American culture alongside American history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
WHITE HOUSE TOUTS TRUMP’S ‘BOLD VISION’ FOR TOWERING INDEPENDENCE ARCH FOR AMERICA 250
Erin Scavino, director of the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, oversees the «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (Courtesy Art in Embassies)
«I was a day one hire by President Trump because just like we’ve seen with the Kennedy Center, he wanted to make the performing arts great again, and he also put me at Art in Embassies to make visual arts great,» Scavino said.
Although little known to most Americans, the Art in Embassies office has existed since 1964, placing American artwork in nearly 190 diplomatic properties around the world as a form of cultural diplomacy.
Scavino said the nation’s 250th anniversary offered an opportunity to introduce the program to a broader audience.
Opening July 30 at the Art Museum of the Americas, «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» will bring together more than 30 contemporary American artists whose work explores patriotism, diplomacy, military service, immigration and national identity in what organizers describe as a celebration of the ideals that have shaped the U.S. since its founding.
The exhibition, presented through a partnership between the State Department’s Office of Art in Embassies and the American Arts Conservancy, will be free to the public through Oct. 18.
PRO-TRUMP ARTIST UNLEASHES POWERFUL MESSAGE ABOUT AMERICAN FLAG, TOUTS MASSIVE OLD GLORY PAINTING

Art in Embassies Director Erin Scavino unboxes a Romero Britto artwork ahead of the opening of the State Department’s «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition. (Courtesy of Art in Embassies)
The exhibition spans dozens of contemporary works exploring patriotism through photography, painting, sculpture and fashion, with each gallery approaching the American story from a different perspective.
Among the featured works is «Gallantly Streaming» by acclaimed artist Barbara Ernst Prey, a sweeping interpretation of the American flag that anchors the exhibition’s exploration of national identity.
Internationally recognized pop artist Romero Britto also reimagines the Statue of Liberty in his signature bold palette for the exhibit, layering vibrant colors against the Stars and Stripes to celebrate what Scavino described as the enduring promise of the American dream.
The exhibit will feature a powerful series of photographs by Korina Marie Moore, whose images capture moments of military service through a deeply personal lens. Rather than focusing solely on combat, Moore’s photographs spotlight the men and women who serve — from sailors gathered around a U.S. Navy vessel to service members standing watch as the Statue of Liberty rises across New York Harbor and the solemnity of Arlington National Cemetery.
THE STORY BEHIND BETSY ROSS AND THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG AS AMERICA CELEBRATES 250TH BIRTHDAY

A sketch of designer Kate Wasserbach Moore’s America250 couture gown, inspired by Betsy Ross’ American flag, created for the State Department’s «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition. (Courtesy of Art in Embassies)
Visitors will also encounter an America 250 haute couture gown created specifically for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, inspired by Betsy’s Ross’ flag.
For Scavino, the exhibit represents the latest chapter in a career that unexpectedly led from «The Apprentice» to the Trump administration. Looking back on that journey, she said there has been one constant.
«The common thread throughout all of this is President Trump,» Scavino said. «That’s why I always thank him so much for these great opportunities.»
Scavino says the opportunity has opened her eyes to the people behind the offices.

President Donald Trump speaks during the wedding reception of Dan and Erin Scavino at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 1, 2026. Erin Scavino told Fox News Digital Trump delivered remarks at the couple’s wedding and later called to say he enjoyed the celebration. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
«Every time you learn about someone’s job, you’re actually understanding a whole new universe,» she said. «That’s what’s really special about the State Department.»
«People often think [the State Department is] really serious, and yes, of course, there’s so much diplomacy and so many very serious things that are going on,» Scavino said. «But there are so many interesting components, like Art in Embassies.»
«This isn’t something that was created for me,» she added. «Art in Embassies has been around since 1964 under President Kennedy… Every time you learn about someone’s job, you’re actually understanding a whole new universe.»
Scavino said one of her goals was to create an exhibition that feels welcoming to visitors who might never consider themselves «art people.»

Korina Marie Moore’s photograph «Facing Liberty» depicts two U.S. service members looking toward the Statue of Liberty. The work is featured in the State Department’s «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition. (Courtesy Art in Embassies)
«Art has become sort of a gatekeeping situation or something that’s only for the rich or the elite,» she said. «I wanted to say, ‘Hey, no. We want kids. We want grandparents. We want moms. We want families. We want dads. We want people all over the world to come to this museum because there is something for everyone.’»
Each artwork includes QR codes allowing visitors to hear directly from artists about their work and creative process, an effort Scavino said makes the exhibit more approachable.
«You don’t have to have your nose in the air saying, ‘Oh, that Monet’ or ‘That Degas,’» she said. «You’re going to see a flag. You’re going to see a sculpture. You’re going to hear Americans tell their stories.»
Scavino pointed to Romero Britto’s colorful Statue of Liberty piece, «Liberty for All,» as one example of the American dream reflected throughout the exhibit.

Romero Britto’s «Liberty for All» is featured in the State Department’s «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (Courtesy of Art in Embassies)
«When I think about his hearts or his Statue of Liberty, it just makes me think about the American dream,» she said. «He is so patriotic and he loves this country.»
«There are so many stories that are often overlooked,» Scavino said. «We show pictures of loss. We show people that have lost their lives for this nation. We show people who are celebrating serving our country… I think that we have to honor those who have served.»
One of the exhibition’s most unexpected pieces isn’t a painting or sculpture — it’s a couture gown inspired by Betsy Ross’ American flag.
Scavino said the idea came while she was searching for a wedding dress ahead of her February wedding to fellow Trump administration official Dan Scavino at Mar-a-Lago, when she discovered designer Kate Wasserbach Moore, whose appreciation for American history sparked an unusual collaboration.

Erin Elmore, director of Art in Embassies at the State Department, arrives for her wedding to Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 1, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
«I cold-called her out of the blue and said, ‘Can you create a dress that looks like something one of the wives of our Founding Fathers would have worn and make it patriotic?’» Scavino recalled.
The finished design, featuring flowing red-and-white accents inspired by Betsy Ross’ flag, was created for the exhibition rather than the aisle, adding fashion to a collection that otherwise spans photography, painting and sculpture.
«To me, patriotic, red, white and blue, and also fashion—how much better does it get for a girl?» Scavino said.
Although Art in Embassies typically works overseas, Scavino said creating a major public exhibition in Washington had been one of her goals since taking over the office.
«I started with a dream because Art in Embassies is generally overseas,» she said. «I wanted to do something, to start a footprint here in the United States.»
That idea quickly gained momentum.
«The Art Museum of the Americas said yes,» Scavino recalled. «And the second surprise was that I unfortunately don’t have enough space for everyone. So many people generously wanted to participate.»

Kyler Steele’s photograph «Silence,» depicting rows of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, is featured in the State Department’s «Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy» exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (Courtesy Art in Embassies)
For Scavino, the exhibition is ultimately less about individual works than the conversations they may inspire.
«What I love about art is it’s totally different from politics,» she said. «You can get in the door by talking about art… and maybe instead of tear down, we can come together.»
She said that’s especially important because, for many people overseas, an American embassy may be their first — and sometimes only — connection to the United States.
«Sometimes in these small nations that are so foreign to us, the only touchpoint they have to America is our embassy and our ambassador,» Scavino said. «So it is so much more important than I ever thought it would be.»
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Scavino hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation not only for the artwork, but for the stories it tells about the nation it represents.
«You only get to celebrate 250 years once,» she said. «So let art be a way of celebration.»
america 250, state department, arts, politics, washington dc, donald trump, travel
INTERNACIONAL
El expresidente español Mariano Rajoy habló de la semifinal contra Francia y provocó un escándalo: “Es una buena selección, pero sin franceses”

El Gobierno francés calificó este domingo de “absolutamente inaceptables” y “aberrantes” las declaraciones del expresidente del Gobierno español Mariano Rajoy, quien afirmó que la selección francesa de fútbol tiene “un altísimo nivel, eso sí, sin franceses”.
Lo hizo en una columna publicada por El Debate tras la clasificación de España para las semifinales del Mundial en las que se enfrentará a Francia.
“Si esa declaración es exacta, es absolutamente inaceptable. No refleja en absoluto lo que es Francia”, afirmó el ministro de Interior, Laurent Nuñez, en una entrevista en la televisión BMF TV.
En Madrid también hubo una ola de repudio contra Rajoy.
El presidente del gobierno español, el socialista Pedro Sánchez, condenó las “declaraciones xenófobas” del anterior jefe de gobierno.“Hay quien todavía mide la pertenencia por el apellido, el lugar de nacimiento o el color de piel. Otros la medimos por el arraigo a un país y la voluntad de contribuir a él”, indicó en un mensaje en la red social X.
“España es de quien la ama y la trabaja. No de a quién la avergüenza con declaraciones xenófobas. Francia, nos vemos en semifinales. Que gane el mejor y que pierda el racismo”, agregó.
También hubo condenas del oficialista Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) y el izquierdista Podemos.
“Un país de diversidad”
Desde París, el ministro Nuñez defendió que Francia es “un país de diversidad, donde todo el mundo puede desarrollarse y encontrar su lugar”.
Además, lamentó que este tipo de comentarios alimenten los ataques racistas contra los jugadores de la selección francesa, en particular contra su capitán, Kylian Mbappé, a quien la senadora paraguaya Celeste Amarilla le atacó por sus raíces africanas. El expresidente español, Mariano Rajoy (Foto: EFE)
“Creo que todavía nos queda mucho camino por recorrer para vivir todos juntos con cohesión. Francia es una República en la que todo el mundo tiene su lugar, sea cual sea su origen, sus convicciones o su religión, siempre que se respeten las reglas comunes de la República”, afirmó.
Añadió que declaraciones como esas “no ofrecen una imagen de esperanza” a muchos jóvenes franceses y confesó que le producen “desolación”.
Leé también: El brutal elogio de un jugador de Brasil para la Selección argentina: “Es una locura, hermano”
Nuñez enmarcó además la polémica en el debate sobre la identidad nacional y rechazó la visión de quienes oponen una supuesta “Francia histórica” o “Francia cristiana” -defendida por la extrema derecha- a una “nueva Francia” -tesis de la extrema izquierda-.
“Solo hay una Francia”, afirmó, “una República en la que todo el mundo debe poder encontrar su lugar”, insistió.
Por su parte, la ministra delegada encargada de la Francofonía, las Alianzas Internacionales y los Franceses en el Extranjero, Éléonore Caroit, condenó los ataques dirigidos contra la selección francesa.
Al respecto, aseguró: “Ya vengan de una senadora paraguaya o de un expresidente español, ya sean escandalosos o más insidiosos, todos los ataques racistas contra el equipo de Francia son inaceptables”.
“Todos los jugadores del equipo de Francia son franceses. Punto final”, afirmó la ministra.
Además, afirmó: “Estos comentarios aberrantes no les impedirán brillar en el terreno de juego. Toda Francia está detrás de sus Bleus”.
A las críticas se sumó el primer secretario del Partido Socialista (PS), Olivier Faure, quien rechazó las palabras de Rajoy y defendió que “la selección de Francia está formada únicamente por franceses”.

Francia ya está en semifinales del Mundial 2026 (Foto: Reuters)
“Francia no es una nación étnica. No tiene un color de piel ni una religión. Es una nación política unida en torno al lema de la República”, escribió Faure en sus redes sociales. Y añadió: “Por mucho que le disguste a la derecha racista”.
También el secretario general del Partido Comunista Francés, Fabien Roussel, reaccionó con dureza a las declaraciones de Rajoy: “Antes una senadora de Paraguay, ahora el expresidente del Gobierno de España: ¡no pueden evitar expresar un racismo burdo para intentar desestabilizar a nuestra magnífica selección de Francia!”, escribió en redes sociales.
(Con información de EFE)
Mundial 2026, Mariano Rajoy
INTERNACIONAL
El régimen de Irán dijo que varios proyectiles impactaron objetivos militares en la isla de Qeshm, cerca del estrecho de Ormuz

La agencia estatal iraní IRNA informó este domingo que varios proyectiles lanzados por lo que describió como el “enemigo” impactaron en la isla de Qeshm, un enclave estratégico situado en el estrecho de Ormuz, en medio del recrudecimiento del enfrentamiento entre Irán y Estados Unidos. Según el régimen de Teherán, los ataques alcanzaron exclusivamente objetivos militares y no dejaron víctimas.
El gobernador del distrito de Qeshm, Hossein Amir Teymouri, declaró a IRNA que “entre 10 y 11 proyectiles enemigos impactaron la isla de Qeshm desde la tarde del domingo”. El funcionario agregó que “todos los objetivos eran militares” y aseguró que “no hubo víctimas”.
Horas antes, la propia agencia estatal había comunicado que varios misiles fueron disparados contra la isla durante la tarde, precisando igualmente que no existían reportes de fallecidos o heridos como consecuencia de los impactos.
La isla de Qeshm ocupa una posición clave en el estrecho de Ormuz, uno de los corredores marítimos más importantes para el comercio internacional de petróleo y gas. Su ubicación la convierte en un punto de alto valor estratégico dentro de la infraestructura militar y naval iraní en el golfo Pérsico.
Los impactos se produjeron en una jornada marcada por una nueva escalada militar entre Washington y Teherán. Durante este domingo, Estados Unidos lanzó nuevos bombardeos contra territorio iraní tras responsabilizar a la República Islámica de un ataque previo contra un buque que navegaba por el estrecho de Ormuz.

Después de esas operaciones, medios oficiales iraníes informaron de explosiones en distintos puntos del sur del país, entre ellos Bandar Abás, Sirik y la propia isla de Qeshm, además de reportes de ataques en la provincia de Juzestán, fronteriza con Irak.
El régimen iraní también informó de la muerte de un soldado en la ciudad costera de Jask y, posteriormente, reportó el fallecimiento de un trabajador del sector de telecomunicaciones en la provincia de Hormozgán, ubicada sobre la costa norte del estrecho de Ormuz.
En respuesta a los bombardeos estadounidenses, la Guardia Revolucionaria anunció el cierre del estrecho de Ormuz. En un comunicado afirmó que “el estrecho de Ormuz permanecerá cerrado hasta nuevo aviso y hasta el fin de las intervenciones estadounidenses en esta región”.
Además, el cuerpo militar sostuvo que había realizado disparos de advertencia contra una embarcación que, según su versión, intentó navegar por “una ruta no autorizada”. Teherán mantiene que únicamente reconoce un corredor marítimo específico para el tránsito de buques por esa vía.
La decisión iraní fue rechazada por el Mando Central de Estados Unidos (CENTCOM), que aseguró posteriormente que el tráfico marítimo continuaba desarrollándose con normalidad. El comando estadounidense sostuvo además que “Irán no controla el estrecho de Ormuz” y afirmó que las embarcaciones comerciales seguían transitando por la zona.
Una enorme columna de humo negro se eleva desde la isla de Qeshm cerca del Estrecho de Ormuz tras intensos bombardeos aéreos de EE.UU. en la última hora.
La nueva escalada se produjo semanas después de que Washington y Teherán firmaran un memorando destinado a abrir un período de negociaciones para buscar un acuerdo permanente que pusiera fin al conflicto iniciado el 28 de febrero tras la ofensiva militar de Estados Unidos e Israel contra territorio iraní.
En los últimos días, sin embargo, ambas partes intercambiaron nuevos ataques. Estados Unidos aseguró haber ejecutado alrededor de 140 bombardeos contra instalaciones iraníes, mientras el presidente Donald Trump afirmó que las fuerzas estadounidenses habían golpeado “muy duro” a Irán.
Tras los ataques estadounidenses, varios países del Golfo denunciaron incidentes relacionados con la ofensiva iraní. Kuwait informó daños en puestos fronterizos y en una plataforma petrolera; Qatar confirmó la interceptación de misiles y reportó tres personas heridas; Jordania indicó que tres proyectiles impactaron en su territorio sin causar víctimas, mientras Omán convocó al embajador iraní para expresar su protesta por los ataques.
En paralelo, el secretario general de Naciones Unidas, António Guterres, pidió que se “reanuden urgentemente las negociaciones” para intentar frenar la escalada militar, mientras el ministro de Exteriores de Pakistán, Ishaq Dar, instó públicamente a todas las partes a avanzar hacia una “desescalada” del conflicto.
Irán,Estados Unidos,ataque,humo,embarcaciones,conflicto
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