Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced Mining Approvals Received for Lord Byron Open Pit Mine
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Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced Mining Approvals Received for Lord Byron Open Pit Mine
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The US Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate for the first time in 2025 this week, while the Bank of Canada resumed cutting after pausing in March, providing a boost to growth-oriented sectors.
Tech stocks, particularly semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies, responded positively, reflecting investor optimism about a more supportive monetary environment for tech sector growth.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that the cut was a risk-management move motivated by concerns over the labor market’s softness and persistent inflation risks, rather than a sign of strong economic confidence. He highlighted that downside risks to employment have increased, and that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2 percent goal.
Likewise, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem warned that broad-based tariffs and trade tensions pose structural risks to the Canadian economy. He emphasized that, unlike the pandemic bounceback, Canada will not see a quick economic rebound if tariffs persist, as they could permanently lower output and weaken growth across key sectors.
Nasdaq-100 performance, September 12 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Nasdaq.
Against that backdrop, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) put on a strong performance this week, closing at 24,626.25 on Friday (September 19), up 0.7 percent. The index saw momentum build toward the end of the week, supported by growth in technology and semiconductor stocks.
While the Fed’s decision was a key factor for the tech sector this week, a landmark deal stole the spotlight.
A strategic partnership between NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) dominated the news cycle on Thursday (September 18), sending shockwaves through the semiconductor industry.
In a historic move, NVIDIA announced a US$5 billion investment in Intel as part of a new partnership. The companies will collaborate on custom data center and PC products, aiming to jointly develop custom CPUs and GPUs by integrating NVIDIA’s AI and accelerated computing technologies with Intel’s x86 platforms for data centers and personal computing.
The deal marks a major realignment in the chip industry focused on AI infrastructure innovation. Shares of both companies finished the week higher, with Intel notching a notable 21 percent increase.
Semiconductor exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also surged in response to the NVIDIA-Intel partnership announcement, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) gaining 4.17 percent, the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) rising 3.93 percent and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) increasing 3.92 percent over the course of the week, reflecting strengthened investor confidence across the sector.
Semiconductor ETF performance, September 16 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
The Intel-NVIDIA collaboration comes after reports this week that China’s regulatory authority has instructed major tech firms like Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) and ByteDance to stop buying and cancel orders of NVIDIA’s AI chip designed for China. The news sent NVIDIA shares down early in the week, but the company ended the period flat.
The collaboration also helped provide a much-needed boost to Intel’s share price. The company has struggled with operational challenges and a difficult turnaround effort in the highly competitive semiconductor market.
In a direct reaction to the Intel-NVIDIA deal, shares of Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) declined on Thursday.
The latter company recovered some of its losses on Friday.
Advanced Micro Devices and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company performance, September 16 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
In other tech news, the US and UK signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, pledging to boost collaboration in science and tech. Called the Technology Prosperity Deal, the arrangement focuses on civil nuclear power, aiming for independence from Russian fuel by late 2028 and developing new tech like small modular reactors.
The agreement also establishes joint task forces for AI standards and security, as well as quantum computing breakthroughs, and explores civil maritime nuclear applications.
Next week, investors will have an eye on Micron Technology’s (NASDAQ:MU) fiscal Q4 results, scheduled to be released on September 23 after market close. Analysts are estimating revenue of around US$11.15 billion.
Accenture (NYSE:ACN), a professional services company, will also release its fiscal Q4 results next week on September 25, with revenue expected in the US$17 billion range.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Charbone Hydrogen offers a compelling investment opportunity in the US$89 billion Ultra High Purity (UHP) and low-carbon intensity hydrogen market, leveraging a decentralized approach for scalable plant deployment and focusing on environmentally friendly production to reduce carbon footprints.
Charbone Hydrogen (TSXV:CH,OTCQB:CHHYF,FWB:K47) is an integrated company specialized in Ultra High Purity (UHP) hydrogen and the strategic distribution of industrial gases in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. It is developing a modular network of green hydrogen production while partnering with industry players to supply helium and other specialty gases without the need to build costly new plants. This disciplined strategy diversifies revenue streams, reduces risks, and increases flexibility.
Charbone has recently accelerated its growth trajectory, securing a US$50 million financing to expand across North America, executing a US$1 million collaboration agreement to advance a green hydrogen project in Malaysia, and achieving multiple milestones at its flagship Sorel-Tracy facility in Québec.
With its exclusive focus on UHP green hydrogen, Charbone is positioning itself as a first mover in a multi-billion-dollar market. Leveraging Canada’s abundant hydroelectric power and expanding nuclear capacity, Charbone plans to deliver sustainable hydrogen solutions that meet rising demand from both governments and global industries.
Charbone forged strong partnerships to execute its business model. Here’s where it gets cool: renewable hydroelectricity powers electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Purification skids then crank it up to 99.999% purity—true industrial grade. This hydrogen production model serves everything from fuel-cell fleets and semiconductor fabs to specialty metal processing and next-gen refueling stations.
Charbone isn’t flying solo. They’ve teamed up with:
This lineup de-risks the rollout and turbocharges their momentum.
Charbone has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ABB to collaborate on the development of up to 15 modular and scalable green hydrogen production facilities across North America over the next five years. Under the MOU, ABB will support CHARBONE in standardizing basic engineering for systems and components across its project portfolio to increase energy efficiency and reliability.
Among the sites covered by the collaboration is Charbone’s flagship Sorel-Tracy facility near Montreal in Québec, Canada, which is currently under construction. The Sorel-Tracy facility is located on a 40,000-square-meter land parcel along Quebec Highway 30, known as the “Steel Highway” because of the numerous steel mills and process plants operating along the highway.
The construction of its Sorel-Tracy facility is being done in partnership with EBC, one of the largest construction companies in Quebec. EBC has a proven track record of designing and building facilities in Canada and the US. The partnership agreement gives EBC the right of first refusal to construct additional Sorel-Tracy phases, as well as one or all of Charbone’s facilities within the North American market.
In addition, Charbone has entered into several other strategic partnerships, all aimed at expanding its footprint in North America. The company entered into a special consultancy agreement with Enki GéoSolutions for potential partnership proposals as a co-operator and distributor of an emerging form of clean and renewable hydrogen, known as white or natural hydrogen.
In June 2024, Carbone executed a supply agreement for a complete containerized electrolyzer system ready for shipment to its flagship green hydrogen site in the City of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The electrolyzer has a higher capacity than originally planned and will significantly enhance initial operational capacity estimates. The company also acquired its first tube trailer for the transport and bulk delivery of compressed green hydrogen produced from the City of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec flagship project to local and domestic customers.
Charbone signed commercial supply agreements (CSAs) with a top-tier US industrial gas producer and distributor. The first CSA secures hydrogen supply ahead of Charbone’s own production, while the second expands its product offerings to include helium and other industrial gases. Positioned to capitalize on emerging North American opportunities, particularly in Canada, Charbone leverages its early-mover advantage to build strategic partnerships and strengthen its role in the low-carbon, high-purity hydrogen market.
This partnership allows Charbone to sell hydrogen produced at the Sorel-Tracy facility to Certarus, a subsidiary of Superior Plus. Such supply agreements ensure that Charbone can generate cash flow immediately following the commencement of production.
Charbone Hydrogen entered into an off-take partnership with Certarus on the supply and
distribution of green hydrogen.
Another such supply agreement was signed in November 2023 with NEK Community Broadband, which ensures the supply of green hydrogen in the Northeast Kingdom of the state of Vermont (USA). NEK Broadband is building a high-speed broadband infrastructure and plans to install a hydrogen fuel cell backup system for a reliable power supply.
Further advancing its goal of US expansion, Charbone signed a memorandum of understanding in December 2023 with Michigan’s Oakland County Economic Development Department to set up Charbone’s first green hydrogen facility in the United States. Oakland County is home to major automakers, and a green hydrogen facility in their proximity will support the effort of producing environmentally friendly mobility options.
Being the only publicly listed green hydrogen player in Canada, Charbone offers investors a unique opportunity to participate in the rise of green hydrogen as a potential low-emitting alternative to fossil fuels.
Dave Gagnon has been chairman and chief executive officer of Charbone Hydrogen Corporation since April 21, 2022. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in Cleantech, Wind Power, Hydropower, Lithium Resources, and Industrial Gases, he has built a career focused on scaling innovative infrastructure, accelerating sustainable energy solutions, and leading cross-border growth initiatives in high-impact sectors.
Benoit Veilleux was appointed as the CFO of Charbone on August 15, 2022. Veilleux has over 15 years of experience in corporate accounting and finance. He began his professional career at KPMG in 2003, where he managed and coordinated audit teams for public companies until 2010. Since then, he has worked with a number of companies including Air Liquide Canada and the Hypertec Group.
Daniell Charette has been the chief operating officer of Charbone since February 2019. He brings over 25 years of experience in running and managing renewable energy companies. He has worked in senior leadership roles with several renewable companies including NEG Micon A/S, Vestas and Brookfield Power. He has served on various association boards and councils, including the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Association Québécoise des Producteurs d’Énergie Renouvelable, and Latin Wind Energy Association.
Francois Vitez is a hydropower and energy storage expert with more than 24 years of experience in development, engineering and construction management as well as operations and maintenance of hydropower and energy storage projects in North America and internationally. He is a board member and chair of the Value of Hydropower committee at Waterpower Canada, vice-chair of the Energy Storage Association of Canada, board member of the California Energy Storage Association, and member of the International Hydropower Association.
Patrick Cuddihy is a seasoned operations leader with over 20 years of experience at Air Liquide Canada, to its hydrogen operations team. Patrick brings a wealth of expertise in managing industrial gas production and distribution, having held senior roles including network sales director for Quebec Region, general manager for Pacific Region, director of procurement services, and director of logistics and assets for the Eastern Region.
Locksley Resources (LKY:AU) has announced Locksley Paves Pathway to 100% Made in America Antimony
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Zeus Resources Limited (ZEU:AU) has announced Casablanca Antimony Geophysics – Updated JORC Table
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AI browsers are no longer just an idea; they’re already here. Microsoft has built Copilot into Edge, OpenAI is testing a sandboxed browser in agent mode and Perplexity’s Comet is one of the first to fully embrace the concept of browsing for you.
This is agentic AI stepping into our daily routines, from searching and reading to shopping and clicking. Instead of simply assisting us, these tools are beginning to replace us.
But with this shift comes a new era of digital deception. AI-powered browsers may promise convenience by handling shopping, emails and other tasks, yet research shows they can stumble into scams faster than humans ever could. This dangerous mix of speed and trust is what experts call Scamlexity, a complex, AI-driven scam landscape where your agent gets tricked, and you pay the price.
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AI browsers are not immune to classic scams. In fact, they can fall for them even faster. When researchers at Guardio Labs told an AI browser to buy an Apple Watch, it confidently completed the purchase on a fake Walmart store set up in minutes. It autofilled personal and payment details without hesitation. The scammer got the money, while the human never saw the red flags.
Old phishing tactics also remain effective. In testing, researchers at Guardio Labs sent a fake Wells Fargo email to the AI browser. The browser clicked the malicious link with no verification and even helped the user fill out login credentials on the phishing page. By removing human intuition from the loop, the AI created a perfect trust chain that scammers could exploit.
The real danger comes from attacks designed specifically for AI. Researchers at Guardio Labs created PromptFix, a scam disguised as a CAPTCHA page. While humans would only see a checkbox, the AI agent read hidden malicious instructions in the page code. Believing it was ‘helping,’ the AI clicked the button, triggering a download that could have been malware. This type of prompt injection bypasses human awareness and targets the AI’s decision-making directly. Once compromised, the AI can send emails, share files or execute harmful tasks without the user ever knowing.
As agentic AI becomes mainstream, scams will scale at an alarming speed. Instead of fooling millions of people individually, attackers need only to compromise one AI model to reach millions at once. Security experts warn this is a structural risk, not just a phishing problem.
AI browsers can save time, but they can also put you at risk if you rely on them too much. Use these practical steps to stay in control and reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Always double-check sensitive actions like purchases, downloads or logins. Keep final approval in your hands instead of letting the AI complete tasks on its own. This way, you prevent scammers from sneaking past your awareness.
Scammers rely on exposed personal details to make their tricks more convincing. A trusted data removal service can help scrub your information from broker sites, reducing the chance that your AI agent hands over details that are already floating around online. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.
These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
Install and keep strong antivirus software updated. It adds an extra line of defense that can catch threats your AI browser may miss, including malicious files and unsafe downloads. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
A trusted password manager helps you generate and store strong, unique passwords. It can also alert you if the AI agent tries to reuse weak or compromised passwords when logging into sites.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
Review your bank and credit card statements often. If your AI agent shops or manages accounts for you, always cross-check receipts and login records. Quick action on suspicious charges can stop a scam from spreading further.
Scammers hide malicious instructions in the code your AI reads, and the agent may follow them without question. If something feels wrong, stop the task and handle it manually.
AI browsers bring convenience, but they also bring risk. By removing human judgment from critical tasks, they expose a wider scam surface than ever before. Scamlexity is a wake-up call: The AI you trust could be tricked in ways you never see coming. Staying safe means staying alert and demanding stronger guardrails in every AI tool you use.
Would you trust an AI browser to handle your banking and shopping, or is the risk of Scamlexity too high? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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President Donald Trump spent the bulk of the week in the U.K. where he inked a new tech deal, and closed out the week gearing up to attend the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona.
During the trip abroad, Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a new $350 billion tech investment plan, which is expected to generate 15,000 jobs across the U.K. and up to 2,500 jobs in the U.S.
Specific details of the ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ are sparse, but officials said that the plan will invest in the development of 12 advanced nuclear reactors and that energy will go toward supplying energy needs for the U.K. and the U.S.
‘It’s a blueprint to win this new era together. Shape it according to our shared values, and seize the incredible opportunities that are on offer,’ Starmer said. ‘We have huge new investments from Nvidia N scale, Open AI, Google, Salesforce and many more backing cutting-edge British jobs for years to come.’
The plan will accumulate $50 billion in economic value and will deliver power to as many as 1.5 million homes, according to Trump.
Trump also touted the close relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. during a state dinner at Windsor Castle with members of the U.K.’s royal family, including King Charles III.
‘His Majesty spoke eloquently about the bond which inspired Sir Winston Churchill — the bust is in the Oval Office right now — the beautiful bust of Winston Churchill, to coin the phrase ‘special relationship,’ but seen from American eyes, the word ‘special’ does not begin to do it justice,’ Trump said Wednesday. ‘We’re joined by history and fate, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.’
Trump arrived back in Washington later Thursday and will leave for Kirk’s memorial service Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue holds 63,400 people and has the capacity for up to 73,000 for ‘mega-events,’ according to its website.
Kirk, 31, was killed during a stop on his American Comeback Tour Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s death has also raised questions about Trump’s own security, amid two assassination attempts on Trump’s life in 2024.
A senior administration official confirmed to Fox News Digital Friday that federal law enforcement agencies like the Department of Homeland Security released a report Thursday cautioning that they are monitoring ‘several threats of unknown credibility’ against Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others expected to attend Kirk’s memorial service.
The assessment asserts that the memorial may be an attractive target for violent extremists or lone wolf actors due to the significant media coverage it’s expected to attract.
Meanwhile, Trump said he likely will share some remarks during the memorial service.
‘It’s going to be big,’ Trump told reporters Monday. ‘I’m going to be at the stadium, and I guess I’ll say a few words. I don’t know, but I guess I will, but I knew him very well. He was an amazing guy. He was all about young people and getting them started.’
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
Recently, Rebecca Taibleson appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing to a Wisconsin-based seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, a key step toward further solidifying President Trump’s strong judicial legacy. In choosing Taibleson, Trump selected a standout from a highly qualified field. She’s not only a seasoned prosecutor and sharp legal thinker, but she’s a proven defender of the Constitution and conservative values.
Taibleson spent over a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, putting violent criminals behind bars. She doesn’t just theorize about public safety–she delivers it. She handles complex appeals and knows how to write strong legal arguments, and she wins cases and protects communities. Every day in her career, she applies the law with clarity, discipline, and purpose.
Most importantly, in her role as the co‑chief of the Appellate Division of that U.S. Attorney’s office for nearly a decade, not only did Taibleson imprison violent and dangerous criminals who were terrorizing the community, she ensured they stayed there. There are too many weak judges who free criminals when they should rot in prison for their crimes. Rebecca Taibleson is not one of them.
Her credentials speak for themselves. She clerked for the late, great Justice Antonin Scalia and then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh. She embraced a constitutionalist philosophy early in her career and never wavered. At her Senate confirmation hearing, she made it crystal clear: judges must interpret the law as written, not how they wish it were written. Judges must not rewrite laws based on personal views or political trends. She follows the original public meaning of the law and honors the Constitution.
Taibleson also knows how to stand her ground. During one of the most brutal nomination fights in recent memory, she stepped up and testified in support of her former boss Brett Kavanaugh, a nomination fight for which I helped lead the charge as Chairman Chuck Grassley’s chief counsel for nominations on the Senate Judiciary Committee. While the left smeared and attacked, Rebecca Taibleson didn’t flinch. She stood firm in defense of the rule of law and the truth. That moment proved her courage and character.
She also served in President Trump’s solicitor general’s office — the top government appellate advocates. She fought and won legal battles at the Supreme Court. She defended Trump administration policies on immigration, religious liberty, and constitutional limits. She didn’t just serve under President Trump, she helped him win. Her record shows loyalty, competence, and backbone.
Some groups have raised concerns—and even opposition before they had a chance to watch her testimony at her Senate confirmation hearing. Some are fair points; most are not. They wanted someone else. They’re circulating misleading claims and ignoring facts. They’re criticizing a nominee who far exceeds the standard for confirmation. President Trump and his team reviewed many good candidates. Like with any nominee, they balanced all the pros and cons. While no nominee is ever perfect, Rebecca Taibleson proved through her long record and unflinching public testimony that she is outstanding. She has a proven track record of being bold and fearless.
Taibleson handled her confirmation hearing exactly the way a strong nominee should. She didn’t dodge questions or pander. She answered directly and confidently and laid out her commitment to textualism, originalism, and constitutionalism. She emphasized the separation of powers and reminded the Senate that judges don’t make policy. Elected officials do.
On precedent, she spoke with clarity. She said Dobbs v. Jackson controls abortion law, and she will follow it. She refused to play politics with hot-button issues, but she left no doubt about her commitment to the Constitution.
She also promised to bring civility and discipline to the bench. She won’t use opinions to take swipes at parties, public officials, or opposing views. She respects the role of the judiciary and knows the difference between law and politics. She pledged to uphold judicial restraint.
Taibleson’s background shows real-world depth. Early in her career, she worked with Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service Magen David Adom during the Second Intifada. She helped defend civilians from terrorist attacks. That experience gave her a deeper understanding of law, national security, justice, and what is at stake for Western civilization. It also showed her values: courage, service, and loyalty to free societies under attack.
Taibleson has answered the questions raised by her detractors from the left and the right. She addressed every issue and demonstrated exactly why she belongs on the Seventh Circuit. Her hearing and record proves her fitness. She showed strength, clarity, and deep legal knowledge. And she put to bed any concerns.
President Trump built the best judicial legacy in a generation. He transformed the Supreme Court into the first constitutionalist Court in 90 years. He reshaped the federal judiciary with principled, constitutionalist judges. He made those choices carefully, and he made the same careful decision here. Rebecca Taibleson fits that mold. She brings real experience, proven loyalty, and a first-rate legal mind.
The Senate must confirm this bold and fearless judicial nominee. She earned this seat by standing up when it counted. She served President Trump with distinction and fought for her country in the courts. She prosecuted criminals and protected communities. She embraces originalism and the rule of law.
President Trump chose right. The Senate must finish the job.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed in her upcoming book, ‘107 Days,’ that then-President Joe Biden rattled her right before she went head-to-head with then-candidate Donald Trump on the debate stage.
Biden reportedly called Harris as she sat in a hotel room preparing for the only debate of her abbreviated campaign. He apparently wanted to wish her luck — and to scold her.
The then-president said, ‘My brother called. He’s been talking to a group of real power brokers in Philly,’ according to an excerpt of the book in The Guardian. He then allegedly asked if Harris was familiar with several people related to the matter, which she was not.
‘His brother had told him that those guys were not going to support me because I’d been saying bad things about him. He wasn’t inclined to believe it, he claimed, but he thought I should know in case my team had been encouraging me to put daylight between the two of us,’ Harris wrote in the book, according to an excerpt of the book in The Guardian.
Biden then went on to talk about his past debate performances, leaving Harris confused, ‘angry and disappointed,’ according to The Guardian. She was upset that her boss had called before a critical moment in her political career and made ‘it all about himself.’ Harris added that Biden was ‘distracting me with worry about hostile power-brokers in the biggest city of the most important state.’
Then-first gentleman Doug Emhoff apparently noticed his wife was in distress and advised her to ‘let it go’ before facing off against Trump.
While Harris avoided criticizing Biden during her campaign, she has used her upcoming book to shed light on the tensions between them as she took his place as the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris’ book is set to hit shelves on Sept. 23, but it has already sparked conversations about the 2024 election cycle.
In another section, Harris said while ‘it’s Joe and Jill’s decision’ became a mantra ahead of the 2024 election cycle, she said it was ‘recklessness,’ rather than ‘grace,’ according to an excerpt released by The Atlantic.
”It’s Joe and Jill’s decision.’ We all said that, like a mantra, as if we’d all been hypnotized. Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness. The stakes were simply too high. This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego, an individual’s ambition. It should have been more than a personal decision,’ Harris wrote.
Harris also revealed in her book that then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her ‘first choice’ as running mate, not Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. However, she said it was ‘too big of a risk’ because the campaign was ‘already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man.’
Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Heavey and Greg Norman contributed to this report.
After facing intense criticism from Democrats during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, embattled FBI Director Kash Patel remained defiant, saying that he is ‘proud’ to lead the nation’s premier investigations agency.
Speaking with reporters after the hearing, Patel, who was confirmed to the role by the Senate in late February, touted its historic recruiting efforts, saying that the agency ‘has the most applicants to become FBI agents and intel analysts in the history of the FBI.’
One of the major criticisms he received from Democratic senators during the hearing was for initially misstating on social media that conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer was in custody.
Patel has conceded that he could have worded his social media post better, but that he does not regret it because he issued it in the name of transparency.
Speaking after the hearing, Patel added that ‘the American people are seeing and hearing what the FBI is doing on a daily basis, crushing violent crime and defending the homeland.’
‘So, I’m proud to be the director of the FBI that has seen the most significant, expansive application pool in history,’ he said.
In his opening statement to the committee, Patel listed a series of accomplishments the agency has achieved since President Donald Trump took office, including tens of thousands of arrests, a realignment of the agency and an emphasis on cracking down on illicit drugs.
Patel acknowledged the growing criticism over his direction of the FBI and challenged lawmakers on the panel to come after him, saying, ‘I’m not going anywhere’ and ‘if you want to criticize my 16 years of service, please bring it on.’
Patel was also scrutinized over a wave of firings at the FBI, which some have alleged were politically motivated.
Ranking member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., criticized Patel’s deference to Trump, saying the director ‘installed MAGA loyalists’ to key positions and initiated internal ‘loyalty tests,’ including polygraph tests. Durbin claimed that some FBI officials who failed those tests needed waivers to continue working at the bureau.
Durbin also noted that Patel has little experience working in law enforcement, calling his inexperience ‘staggering’ and accusing him of fast-tracking similarly unqualified recruits to fill the FBI’s open jobs.
Patel was also grilled by Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, for requiring FBI field agents to perform push-ups as part of their physical fitness standards.
Hirono expressed concerns that female agents may be negatively impacted by the push-up requirement, saying, ‘There are concerns about whether or not being able to do these kinds of harsh pull-ups is really required of FBI agents.’
Patel responded, ‘If you want to chase down a bad guy, excuse me, and put him in handcuffs, you had better be able to do a pull-up.’
In a particularly tense exchange, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., drilled into Patel, saying, ‘I think you’re not going to be around long’ and ‘I think this might be your last oversight hearing, because as much as you supplicate yourself to the will of Donald Trump and not the Constitution of the United States of America, Donald Trump has shown us in his first term, and in this term, he is not loyal to people like you.’
Patel shot back that Booker’s ‘rant of false information does not bring this country together,’ before adding, ‘It’s my time, not yours.’
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr, Ashley Oliver and Alex Miller contributed to this report.
