Politico denies it’s a ‘beneficiary of government programs’ as questions swirl over receiving taxpayer funds

Politico leadership denied it’s a “beneficiary of government programs” after revelations of taxpayer funds being used to pay for its subscription service went viral.

“As surely many of you saw today, there was a spirited discussion at the White House and among officials connected to the Department of Government Efficiency on the subject of government subscriptions for journalism products, at POLITICO and other news organizations,” Politico’s CEO Goli Sheikholeslami and editor-in-chief John Harris jointly wrote to staff on Wednesday in a memo obtained by Fox News Digital

“This is a fine conversation to have, and we welcome it. The value of POLITICO subscriptions is validated daily in the marketplace. Some parts of today’s conversation, however, were confusing and left some people with false understandings. For this reason, we want you to hear from us on several points.”

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES DOGE IS CANCELING PAYMENTS TO POLITICO

Sheikholeslami and Harris stressed Politico “has never been a beneficiary of government programs or subsidies—not one cent, ever, in 18 years” and touted that its subscription service Politico Pro “provides both private and public sector clients with granular, fact-based reporting, real-time intelligence, and tracking tools across key policy areas.”

“We are proud of the value our POLITICO Pro platform and policy journalism gives to all subscribers. As a practical matter, the overwhelming majority of our professional subscriptions under POLITICO Pro are in the private sector,” they wrote. 

The Politico chiefs later added, “We believe the work of a new administration—and the work being done by DOGE—is a hugely important story. In particular because of the ambition of the new administration to transform large sections of the government, our responsibility to cover this from every angle is urgent.”

Politico did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

EX-POLITICO REPORTERS REVEAL EDITORS QUASHED, SLOW-WALKED NEGATIVE BIDEN STORIES ‘WITH NO EXPLANATION’

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt vowed any government funding Politico had been receiving will end as President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cracks down on spending. 

“I can confirm that the more than $8 million taxpayer dollars that have gone to, essentially, subsidizing subscriptions to Politico on the American taxpayers dime, will no longer be happening,” Leavitt said during Wednesday’s press briefing.

“The DOGE team is working on canceling those payments now,” she continued. “This is a whole government effort to assure that we are going line by line when it comes to the federal government’s books.”

There was speculation on social media that the $8 million in question all came from USAID, the agency currently being targeted by DOGE co-founder Elon Musk, but only $44,000 of it came from that agency. Base subscriptions are typically between $12,000 and $15,000 for three users. 

Politico received taxpayer funding for its costly subscription service from elsewhere in the federal government. The Department of Health and Human Services led the way, with $1.37 million followed by $1.35 million from the Department of the Interior, according to USAspending.gov

The Department of Energy paid Politico $1.29 million, the Department of Agriculture paid $552,024 and the Department of Commerce paid $485,572.  

TOP DEM STRATEGISTS WARN USAID FUNDING FIGHT IS A ‘TRAP’ FOR THE PARTY

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While Politico did receive smaller amounts of money for subscriptions from government agencies under prior administrations, it appears to have skyrocketed during the Biden administration, according to USAspending.gov. 

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Mexican troops begin arriving at US-Mexico border following deal made to pause Trump-approved tariffs

Mexico has started to deploy the 10,000 troops it promised it would send to its border with the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff threats as his administration cracks down on border security.

Troops with the Mexican National Guard and Army were seen arriving at the border separating Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

The two largest deployment sites are Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana, where at least 1,650 troops and 1,949 troops, respectively, are expected to be sent, according to the Mexican government via The AP.

MEXICO AGREES TO DEPLOY 10,000 TROOPS TO US BORDER IN EXCHANGE FOR TARIFF PAUSE

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy troops to its northern border hours before Trump-approved tariffs on imports were set to go into effect in response to the drugs and illegal aliens flowing into the U.S. from Mexico.

“We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Saturday. “I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.”

Part of the deal Trump struck with Sheinbaum included his promise to combat the trafficking of American guns into Mexico that are fueling cartel violence.

TRUMP PAUSES TARIFFS ON MEXICO AFTER STRIKING DEAL WITH MEXICAN PRESIDENT

Mexican patrols were already working along the border near Tijuana on Wednesday, The AP said, and service members along the bushy outskirts of Ciudad Juárez could also be seen removing makeshift ladders and ropes tucked into trenches.

“There will be permanent surveillance on the border,” National Guard leader José Luis Santos Iza told reporters as the first set of soldiers arrived. “This operation is primarily to prevent drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, mainly fentanyl.”

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a diplomatic trip through Latin America, thanked the Mexican government for sending the troops to the border, according to a statement from Mexico.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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On Reagan’s birthday, how he and Trump helped Make America Great Again

Every February 6, America celebrates the birthday of President Ronald Reagan — a president whose optimism, eloquence and unwavering love for his country defined an era. We not only loved him, we loved ourselves and who we were as Americans when he was president. He made us patriotic and proud, courageous and optimistic, and gave deep meaning to our values as we shone the torch of freedom all over the world under his leadership, inviting others to follow. And they did. 

We miss Reagan and have missed those feelings of pride and optimism in America these past few years. But since January 20, it feels like Morning in America Again and as the sun is rising on the second term of President Donald Trump, there are similar emotions being evoked. Americans are celebrating. 

Having worked for both presidents, I know well that Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump are two very different men with vastly different leadership styles, yet they share one love for America. And Americans. All Americans. 

TRUMP SIGNS ‘NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS’ EXECUTIVE ORDER

Reagan and Trump hail from very different worlds, but both wound up in the Oval Office – something that could only happen in America. Reagan was born into poverty in small-town Illinois, working his way up as a radio announcer, Hollywood actor, president of the Screen Actors Guild, and then governor of California, before becoming president. He understood the struggles of ordinary Americans because he had lived them.  

Trump, by contrast, was raised in wealth and built his empire through real estate, doing so by working alongside the very people who build, make and fix America — like architects, concrete layers, plumbers, electricians and housekeepers. His work and his wealth did not insulate him from everyday Americans; it immersed him in their world and exposed him to their problems. And he saw that he could fix those problems.  

Both men knew the heart and soul of this nation and loved and respected its hardworking, everyday people. 

Another key similarity is their priority to communicating directly with the American public. Reagan did it through fireside chats, weekly radio addresses and Oval Office speeches to connect with Americans. His voice, warm and reassuring, instilled confidence and hope, and provided a vision for a better future which he invited us to create together.  

Trump, by contrast, has leveraged the tools of today to communicate – Twitter / X, Truth Social, TikTok, impromptu and formal press interactions, inviting cameras and reporters into the Oval Office – all to help him reach millions of Americans instantly and unfiltered. His transparency and accessibility are unprecedented, ensuring Americans always know what he is promising – and what he is delivering. 

While their methods were different, both presidents had a shared goal of bypassing the traditional gatekeepers in the media to speak directly to the American people and were beloved and trusted because of it. 

Reagan originally coined the phrase “Make America Great Again,” – and he delivered on it. After four years of malaise under President Jimmy Carter, Reagan reinvigorated a declining America, restoring it to its domestic greatness and international respect.  

Similarly, Trump adopted that MAGA language and made it central to his own presidential campaigns, with the 2024 campaign in particular, echoing decline under President Joe Biden which was reminiscent of America in 1980 under Carter. Both Reagan and Trump shared a vision of restoring American prosperity, strength and pride – wanting Americans to be proud of themselves and their nation again.  

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Trump has also embraced Reagan’s philosophy of “peace through strength,” advocating for a strong military and bold foreign policy to ensure America remains the dominant global power. This is done through strong words, bold action and the resources to ensure success. Rather than capitulating to America’s enemies, through American strength, clarity and resolve, both presidents believed we can avoid conflict from ever starting by taking a strong posture at the outset as a deterrent and being willing to take assertive, decisive action when needed. 

Reagan was a unifier, his messages were always wrapped in affable, patriotic optimism. Trump, with his fighter’s instinct, has been seen as more divisive, but this toughness is precisely what Americans voted for and have come to admire in him. Reagan led in a different era, with a media environment that was far less hostile and wasn’t 24/7. Trump’s presidency has been forged in an era of hyper-partisanship and relentless opposition, requiring a different kind of leadership, one which Trump embodies. 

The story of Reagan’s life, leadership and legacy has already been written, though history will continue to examine and judge it. His words and his actions will continue to stand up to scrutiny and reveal the heart of a man who loved America, loved Americans, and inspired the nation and changed the world. That is how he is remembered today and will continue to be. 

Reagan made America believe in itself again and today Trump is fighting to restore that belief in Americans again. Trump has the unique opportunity to take the best of Reagan — his ability to inspire, unite and elevate American greatness — and combine it with his own fearless approach.  

If Trump continues to channel Reagan’s optimism, strength and unwavering determination, combining it with his own ideas, ferocious defense of American interests, and commitment to bringing peace to the world, Donald Trump’s legacy will rival – or could even surpass – that of Reagan’s.  

Today we remember and celebrate Ronald Reagan, who continues to inspire America and the world – and perhaps is even inspiring the current president as he is strengthening and refining his own place in history. Reagan’s life story has been written. This next chapter is Donald Trump’s to write. 

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Texas school district warns parents Border Patrol may question or deport students

A Texas school district sent parents a letter Wednesday warning that Border Patrol agents may be boarding school buses and their children may be detained or deported.

The letter, which was also posted to Facebook but later deleted, warned that U.S. Border Patrol agents would possibly be boarding the school buses used for extracurricular activities at highway checkpoints and asking to see proof of legal citizenship.

“We want to bring to your attention an important matter regarding student travel for extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and other co-curricular events,” Alice Independent School District Superintendent Anysia Trevino wrote in the letter. “We have received information that U.S. Border Patrol agents may be boarding school buses at highway checkpoints in and out of the Valley to question students about their citizenship status.”

OKLAHOMA SUPERINTENDENT WHO BRAWLED WITH CNN OVER ICE ENTERING SCHOOLS DOUBLES DOWN: ‘DEPORTED TOGETHER’

The letter stated the ramifications if the student could not produce proper identification or documentation and went on to warn that if a student lies about their immigration status it could hinder them getting U.S. citizenship in the future.

“We strongly encourage families to be aware of the potential implications of these encounters. If a student is found to be without proper documentation, they may be removed from the bus, detained, and possibly deported under current immigration policies. Additionally, if a student provides false information regarding their citizenship, and it is later discovered, this could result in a permanent bar to future U.S. citizenship.” 

Federal immigration law currently states that an individual that lies about being a U.S. citizen may be disqualified from receiving a green card or U.S. citizenship.

SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE BRACE FOR TRUMP, INCLUDING MEASURES COMPELLING TEACHERS NOT TO COOPERATE WITH ICE

The superintendent did advise she was looking at ways to add measures to lessen the impact and stated that any parent with concerns should reach out.

“To ensure that families are fully informed, we are reviewing our student travel waivers and may include language advising parents of this possibility,” the letter read.

“Furthermore, we are considering additional measures, such as having a designated chaperone vehicle travel with school buses. In the event that a student is detained, a school administrator in the chaperone vehicle would be able to stay with the student while the rest of the group continues their journey.”

This is not the first school district to address the change in immigration policies.  West Oso ISD recently sent out a letter to its parents warning them of the change in policy and informing them of the procedures for its schools.

“I want to take a moment to address recent changes to immigration policies and how they may impact our District. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security reversed a policy that had previously limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship,” it read.

The letter went on to say that they welcome all students regardless of their citizenship status.

“WOISD does not ask for, collect, or maintain any information regarding immigration status, as it is not relevant to our mission of serving students. Like any other law enforcement agency, ICE must check in, show identification, and present proper documentation before taking any action on our campuses. Should ICE execute a warrant at one of our schools, we will promptly notify parents,” the letter stated.

A statement released in January by a DHS spokesperson clarified that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued two directives empowering law enforcement to protect Americans.

The first of those directives rescinds the Biden Administration’s guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that thwart law enforcement in or near so-called “sensitive” areas.

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“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminals including murderers and rapists who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

This action now allows law enforcement to enter schools, medical facilities, and places of worship to arrest undocumented immigrants. It also allows ICE agents to operate at events that had previously been protected under the policy, including weddings, funerals, and public demonstrations.

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Moms and influencers rally behind MAHA movement, calling for transparency

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